Andre Maat's machine marionette

When it comes to puppetry, there's always the initial hurdle of asking audiences to take the leap of faith into believing the character is 'real'. 

With skilled operators, this transition can happen quickly regardless of external factors (such as the puppeteer in clear views), as ably demonstrated in Philip, Andre Maat's delightful short.

Coming about after Maat joined a puppet-making workshop, "more out of curiosity and to do something with my hands during lockdown", the film utilities a conceptually simple but emotionally rich character made out of an ageing drip-coffee machine, telling the tale of his transition into obsolescence.

Magically brought to life by puppeteer Tim Hammer, and with Yessian Music providing an endearing soundtrack, we can assure you that the three minutes you'll spend with Philip will be worth it.