OBEX – Watch the trailer for the new surreal lo-fi fantasy adventure

Lightbulb Film Distribution has announced that OBEX will be released in the UK & Ireland from 9th March. The film will have its UK Premiere at Glasgow Film Festival on 2nd March.

Set in 1987 and shot in monochrome, OBEX is a surreal lo-fi fantasy adventure with a cautionary tale about living life through a screen. The world premiere took place at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival where IndieWire called it “Eraserhead meets The Legend of Zelda.”

Conor Marsh lives a secluded life with his dog, Sandy, until one day he begins playing OBEX, a new, state-of-the-art computer game. When Sandy disappears, the line between reality and gaming blurs, and Conor must enter the world of OBEX to save her.

OBEX is a fantasy-adventure feature from the creative-mind of Albert Birney; writer and director of Strawberry Mansion (2021). Co-written by Pete Ohs (Erupcja), it stars Birney alongside Callie Hernandez (Jethica) and Frank Mosley (Rent Free).

The score was recorded by Josh Dibb, founding member of experimental rock band Animal Collective.

“We are thrilled to be launching OBEX at Glasgow Film Festival. Birney has crafted a nostalgic, deeply personal, 8-bit masterpiece – and the film is a testament to his unique DIY filmmaking process. We are excited to share it with audiences in the UK & Ireland.” commented Sales & Acquisitions Director, Peter Thompson.

OBEX will be available to stream or download from 9th March.