World Premiere in Tokyo: Bones of Yew

Story

Logline (provisional): Between memory and myth, a lone narrator searches a landscape of ritual and history, where the yew’s ancient grain holds the echoes of loss—and the seeds of return.

Bones of Yew blends poetic voiceover, archival textures, and cutting-edge AI visuals to explore how places remember us. Moving through tableaux that feel both unearthed and newly imagined, the film contemplates lineage, grief, and renewal. Rather than using technology as spectacle, creator Toby Hyder shapes it into an instrument for tone, rhythm, and character—inviting audiences to feel their way across time.

Special Guest

Toby Hyder, Founder, XOlink

Toby Hyder is the founder of XOlink, a creative studio at the forefront of AI-enhanced filmmaking. With a background in advanced technologies and narrative storytelling, Toby explores how emerging tools can support—rather than replace—traditional craft. His short film Bones of Yew blends poetic voiceover, historical themes, and cutting-edge visuals to showcase the emotional potential of AI-driven cinema. His work has received accolades across Europe, including Best Short at the AI Film Festival Cannes and the Moonshot Award in London. Toby is passionate about ethical AI, global collaboration, and building tools that empower independent creators.

Credits & Notes

Image credits: © XOlink / Bones of Yew. Used with permission. Final schedule (Opening/Closing), tech specs, and Q&A details to follow.