Vancouver-based motion design studio Ordinary Folk has teamed up with UK-based designer and animator Guillaume Roux to release a vibrant, sun-drenched new in-house short film titled "Rio 40°." Released on Monday, September 21, 2026, the project serves as a nostalgic and visually rich look back at the warmth and energy of summer, viewed through the unique and colorful perspective of Rio de Janeiro.
The collaboration bridges distant geographies to celebrate the culture, climate, and iconic landmarks of one of Brazil’s most famous cities. For the team at Ordinary Folk, the project was born out of a desire to collaborate with trusted creative partners while celebrating the cultural roots of the Brazilian members within their own studio.
Jorge R. Canedo Estrada, the founder and creative director at Ordinary Folk, explained the organic origins of the project and the ease with which the concept came together. He noted that the studio consistently looks for meaningful ways to collaborate with people they admire, pointing specifically to the talented Brazilian artists on their roster. When the opportunity arose to work alongside Guillaume Roux—who is known to be a passionate fan of Rio de Janeiro—the decision to create a short film centered around summer in the wonderful South American city required very little convincing.
The resulting short film captures the distinct sensory experience of Rio de Janeiro during its peak heat. From the oppressive yet alluring tropical temperatures to the distinctive black-and-white wave patterns of the Copacabana sidewalk, the animation crams a wealth of local texture into its frames. Viewers familiar with the city will easily spot visual nods to natural and cultural touchstones, including the twin peaks of Dois Irmãos and the rhythmic, athletic movements of capoeira.
According to the creative team, every visual choice was made with a singular objective in mind: to show appreciation and love to all the Cariocas, the broader Brazilian community, and summer lovers around the world. The project acts as a love letter to a city defined by its vibrant outdoor culture, stunning geography, and resilient, joyful spirit, even as temperatures soar to the metaphorical and literal heights implied by the title "Rio 40°."
To anchor the rich visual storytelling in an authentic sonic landscape, Ordinary Folk turned to their frequent collaborator and favorite composer, Ambrose Yu. Tasked with capturing the auditory essence of Brazil, Yu acquired a berimbau—a traditional single-string percussion instrument deeply rooted in Afro-Brazilian culture and the martial art of capoeira—and set out to find his inner Brazilian. True to form, Yu delivered a musical score and sound design landscape that seamlessly complements the animation, providing the rhythmic heartbeat that drives the short film forward from beginning to end.
The production of "Rio 40°" brought together a tightly knit collective of top-tier motion design and animation talent. The creative direction for the project was shared by Jorge R. Canedo E. and Guillaume Roux, with Roux also leading the art direction duties. Production was managed collaboratively by Stefan Green and Mona Fani, ensuring a smooth creative pipeline between the various contributors.
Bringing the world of Rio to life through motion required the dedicated work of a skilled animation team. The roster of animators credited on the project includes Ricardo Drehmer, Manuel Neto, Victor Silva, Nicholas Ferreira, and Ines Delem. Working in tandem with Ambrose Yu’s bespoke musical composition and sound design, the animation crew successfully translated the warmth, motion, and vivid palette of Brazil into a polished piece of motion design work that highlights both Ordinary Folk’s studio ethos and Guillaume Roux’s distinct artistic vision.
