Director’s Statement
Life in Every Breath began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many of us were suddenly confronted with the fragility and unpredictability of life. Being forced indoors created space for reflection, but also for small moments of escape and inspiration. During that time, I revisited stories like The Last Samurai and explored the world of Ghost of Tsushima. Their themes of honor, struggle, and perseverance helped shape the foundation of this film.
The project presents a compressed journey through the life of a man shaped by hardship, discipline, and war. From abandonment and training to battle and loss, the story unfolds almost like a trailer of a life. Driven by the desire to lead with a truly cohesive vision, I immersed myself in every facet of the production, learning to speak the language of every department. The resulting film is a visual exploration of Miyamoto, a samurai whose journey reflects the philosophy of living every moment as if it were the last.
Completing this film required extreme determination. Since I began, I have moved across the world for work three times, navigated the end of three relationships, and endured the profound loss of a loved one. Through these transitions, the film’s message became more than just a script; it became my reality and my escape.
It reminded me that even when we believe the struggle is behind us, new challenges will always appear. Yet, despite the weight of loss and the fog of uncertainty, we must continue. We keep our heads high, we keep fighting, and we move through the chaos. Because in the end, life isn’t found in the peace we might find at the finish line, but most likely in the defiance of the struggle itself, one breath at a time. Or maybe I like to think that as I take another breath.
Logline:
Born into loss and forged in war, a samurai returns home seeking peace, only to face a new tragedy that sets him on an uncertain path forward.
Written & Directed by Konstantinos Zacharakis
Animated short · ~3 min
Released October 10, 2026
Music by Bogdan Babiyuk
Story Synopsis:
Life in Every Breath follows Miyamoto, a samurai whose path begins with abandonment and unfolds through discipline, war, and loss. After surviving brutal battles, he returns home believing the fighting is finally over, only to find his village destroyed and his family gone. Confronted with yet another tragedy, he swears vengeance and steps forward into an uncertain future.
Process
I made Life In Every Breath on my own over close to five years: story, storyboards, layout, modelling, environments and animation. Everything except the music, which Bogdan Babiyuk wrote. There’s a lot in the execution I’d do differently now. What I’m proud of is that the film on screen is the one I wrote. The idea held from script to final frame.
Director
project type:
client:
Style:
Terms:
date:
Directing or animation for your next project?
I work with studios and teams on cinematics, short films and character animation, from the first idea to the final shot.
Get in touch and tell me what you’re making.