Puppetry and animatronics create Ochi creature in Romania

Isaiah Saxon, the director of "The Legend of Ochi," recently showcased how he brought the film's enchanting creature to life. He used a combination of puppetry, animatronics, and computer-generated imagery (CGI) to create the cute ochi monster. This comes after some online rumors suggested that artificial intelligence (AI) had been used in the film's production. In a short featurette, Saxon explained that real puppeteers operated the ochi puppets, making them look alive on camera. He emphasized the craftsmanship involved, saying that if viewers looked closely, they would see the puppeteers in plain clothes around the set. The film follows the story of a shy girl named Yuri, portrayed by Helena Zengel, who discovers a wounded ochi creature. Defying her father, played by Willem Dafoe, Yuri embarks on a quest to return the little monster home. The film combines themes of family with magic, as Yuri must choose between her affection for the ochi and her family responsibilities. Saxon, known for his music videos for artists like Bjork and Grizzly Bear, shot the film primarily in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. He hopes to convey a sense of wonder and possibility through the story, reflecting how nature holds deep mysteries. "The Legend of Ochi" is set to be released in theaters on April 25, following its debut at the Sundance Film Festival.