“a David Lynchean fever dream on Beatrix Potter terrain” – Variety

BLOOD TEA AND RED STRING (2006) is a surreal handmade stop-motion fairy tale for adults created and animated entirely by director Christiane Cegavske over a period of 13 years. It tells the story of aristocratic white mice who commission gentle oak dwelling artisans to create a doll for them. When the Oak Dwellers fall in love with the doll they refuse to give her up. Resorting to thievery, the jilted mice abscond with her in the middle of the night. The Oak Dwellers must journey through their mystical and dangerous land to reclaim their love. 

“A dark tale of white mice, sylvan creatures and a stolen goddess” – New York Times 

Blood Tea and Red String has grown in acclaim since its release in 2006, when it won Best Animated Film in the San Francisco Independent Film Festival, Best Director in Spudfest Film Festival and Silver Public’s Prize in Fantasia International Film Festival. It received rave reviews in the New York Times, New York Post, Variety, Fangoria, Cartoon Brew and many more. 

“an original head trip” – New York Post 

It’s routinely included in critic’s lists including: 10 Best Stop Motion Films according to Letterboxd reviewers; 49 Best Animated Movies of All Time according to Rotten Tomatoes critics; 7 Best Stop-Motion Animated Movies of All Time, Cinemaholic; 8 Best Sci-Fi Films With Minimal Dialogue, Syfy; 15 Best Surrealist Movies of The 21st Century, Taste of Cinema; Top 17+ Animated Horror Movies, Creepy Catalog; 10 Stunning Animated Movies Directed by Women, Screen Rant; and Animated films by Solo Artists, Cartoon Brew. 

“its haunting images speak directly to some dark, preverbal corner of the heart” – TV Guide  

The film is dialogue-free, which has enabled it to reach audiences worldwide and allows viewers to find their own interpretations of the story. It features a heart-rending musical score composed and performed by Mark Growden. 

“Cegavske’s creative magic explodes on the screen” – Fangoria 

Blood Tea and Red String is a cult favorite with an enthusiastic following who create Blood Tea and Red String fan art, tattoos, costumes, poems and songs, and tea parties. It lends itself to thematic screenings with “blood tea” and cake served and audience members dressing as dolls, mice, frogs and other fantastical woodland creatures.