Kiwi!

For other uses, see Kiwi (disambiguation).

Kiwi! is a 2006 computer-generated animation short film created by Dony Permedi as his Master's Thesis project at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. The music was composed and performed by Tim Cassell. The short gained widespread popularity online after being uploaded to YouTube, becoming a notable Internet phenomenon. Unofficial versions of the film have been paired with the song "Mad World" by Gary Jules, and have circulated widely as viral videos.

Kiwi!
Title card shown at the beginning and end
Directed by	Dony Permedi
Written by	Dony Permedi
Produced by	Dony Permedi
Edited by	Dony Permedi
Music by	Tim Cassell
Release date	May 5, 2006 (2006-05-05)
Running time	3 minutes
Country	United States

Plot

The animation follows a kiwi bird that painstakingly nails rows of trees horizontally along the face of a steep cliff. Once finished, the kiwi climbs to the top of the cliff, dons an aviator's helmet, and leaps off. As the kiwi falls, the camera perspective shifts sideways, revealing that the trees simulate a forest floor—allowing the bird to feel as if it is flying. A tear forms in its eye as it flaps its tiny wings, momentarily fulfilling its dream. The video ends ambiguously, with a sound that has been interpreted by viewers as either a crash or the opening of a parachute.

Reception

Kiwi! has received a large following for its deep meaning and heart touching manner. One of the most popular activities in the fan base is to create an alternate ending (usually one where the kiwi survives). As of August 23, 2024^[update], the animation has been viewed over 49 million times. It won official recognition on March 26, 2007, when viewers voted it the Most Adorable video of 2006 in the first annual YouTube Video Awards.^[1] This was an event large enough to draw international media attention^[2][3][4] with ABC News describing Kiwi! as "so cute it hurts"^[2] while the International Herald Tribune, critical of the awards, characterized the video as being "sweet but dull."^[4]

See also

• Gagarin (Ger.) - cartoon about a caterpillar who dreams of flying.