The wrong rock

A story about equality and embracing the beauty of our differences. Martin is born on the wrong rock. A tiny mushroom with a dream of belonging, he embarks on a difficult journey across great obstacles to reach a distant rock where he hopes to finally be accepted for who he is.

This heartfelt story celebrates the power of kindness and the purity of the human spirit to overcome prejudice and intolerance. Anyone who has experienced discrimination based on gender, race, age, politics, or religion will find something deeply relatable in Martin's journey. Driven by a passion unlike those around him, he discovers a place where he can truly be himself, yet the path to getting there is filled with seemingly impossible challenges. Along the way, he exposes the futility of bigotry and helps another character confront their own biases, ultimately reminding us that understanding one another is the first step toward solving life's greater problems.

"Before we can save the world, we must set aside our differences. We are all on the same rock!"
— Michael Cawood, Animator

This universal tale symbolizes the true unity of humankind. Despite racism, sexism, and every other form of prejudice, we all share the same world. In today's social and political climate, the film's message feels more relevant than ever, encouraging viewers to embrace diversity, broaden their perspectives, and take positive action.

The Wrong Rock won the Best Short Animation award at the 2019 Burbank & Davis International Film Festival. Director Michael Cawood also became a two-time winner in the short animation category at the Burbank International Film Festival.

The Wrong Rock is an independent animated film created entirely through a virtual studio model. Hundreds of artists from around the world collaborated online through the Artella platform. Led by Michael Cawood, the team produced the film's stunning 3D CGI animation using Maya and rendered it with Redshift. Cawood's previous credits include acclaimed productions such as Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Pete's Dragon, and Bumblebee.