U.K.-based filmmaker Zoë Whittaker picked up the Best Directorial Debut prize at the 2026 Indy Shorts International Film Festival earlier today for her wonderfully entertaining 10-minute short film Uncle Artoo. The film centers around Nosferatu (Daniel Weyman), now in his later years and determined to move on from his frightful ways by becoming a carer for foster children. 

Um, yeah. Nothing could go wrong with this plan. 

Weyman has already picked up a prize for his terrific work here at the LOCO London Comedy Film Festival earlier this year, and Uncle Artoo is a wonderful blend of heart, humor, and some definite dark comedy along the way. 

While this is Whittaker's debut, she's no stranger to the production side of things having worked in various roles in such major films as Project Hail Mary, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and a host of others. It's pretty clear that she's learned a ton along the way, and I'm looking forward to watching her career moving forward. 

Whittaker captures the retro vibes of Nosferatu with the contemporary vibes of a family-friendly comedy. She's found an absolute gem in Weyman, who beautifully merges the two worlds together and turns in a performance guaranteed to make you smile. 

David Bird's lensing for the film is a little bit loopy in all the best ways, while John Patrick Elliott's original score for the film catches all the film's unique rhythms and sensibilities. 

Uncle Artoo is having its U.S. premiere at Indy Shorts this week, and as a BAFTA-qualifying festival it's wonderful to see this U.K.-based filmmaker get on everyone's radar. Mark my words. This won't be the last we hear from Whittaker. 

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic