Bosnian in America Creates Animated 3D Films

Bosnian refugee Arnel Ćulum in Twin Falls, United States of America, is working on the project of the first independent 3D animated film. The decision to move to the United States with his family was not easy because half of his family already lived in Sweden. When he arrived in Twin Falls, he didn't know English, but he knew the "language" of computers. He sat down at a computer for the first time in fifth grade and simply loved it. The animated film "Toy Story" was very exciting for him.

- The idea of turning something from paper into 3-D, and then into a film, completely enchanted me. You bring your idea to life – says Ćulum.

Ćulum watched his first Disney film, "The Lion King," in a refugee camp in Croatia.

- I was very young when the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina began, but I remember moving and power outages. I remember running out of the house when someone's house near us was bombed. We moved 10 to 20 times, and I lived in a refugee camp in Croatia for three years – says Ćulum.

Ćulum is now 28 years old and hopes his passion for computer animation will encourage others to join him on the project.

The story "Bugs" follows 12 insects from fleas to fireflies who have bonded to survive a post-apocalyptic world. A 100-page script has already been prepared, and a team of 10 to 12 people worldwide, including three locals. They communicate via Skype and exchange ideas.

- These are people who know how to draw, act, and we are looking for an investor to finance us – he states.

Although he is aware that Twin Falls is not a place where animation is popular, Ćulum sees no reason why it wouldn't succeed.

Arnel's dream is to finish "Bugs" and start working for Pixar.

- There you are surrounded by hundreds of people who are as talented and passionate as I am – says Ćulum.