Zero Untitled’s official submission inspired by the “2026 Water, TX Film Festival” call for films is a bleak work called “Echo”, written by Katherine Orozco-Verderber, conceived and directed by Michael Verderber, with the Director of Photography, Julio Martinez. All entrants to the festival should have a heavy focus on “water” as a topic in the film submission. ZU is going the ironic route, but we were not accepted into that particular festival. It has since been submitted elsewhere.

Utilizing the bunraku puppeteering skills of Dakota West, Martinez, and Verderber, the short film focuses on a crane (recently used in “My Friend, Mr. Crane”) searching his habitat for something edible in the water. Only problem – there is no water left. The film is a scathing indictment on water issues arising in south Texas, as well as mankind’s negative effect on animal habitats.

Director – Michael Verderber
Words – Katherine Orozco-Verderber
Storyboarding and Director of Photography – Julio Martinez
Bunraku Puppeteers – Dakota West, Julio Martinez, Michael Verderber
Camera – Katherine Orozco-Verderber
Music – Down Chamber “Through the Forest Lies Treachery” and “Echo Theme”

The film is now viewable on YouTube and was submitted to the “2026 Water, Tx Festival”.

Our show interactive show “Attempting Bunraku” is BACK! Or is it BunrAKu? The next performance will be at the Texas State Museum of Asian Culture as part of Japan Day on March 14! We will do multiple shows starting at 1:00 pm with breaks in between performances.

Below are some photos from recent performances. See you on the second floor of the museum!