The best and brightest filmmakers descended on Bristol last week for Encounters, a week of shorts, showcases, awards, and dips in the tropical waters. That last bit might be a lie, but congratulations are certainly in order for the talented animators who took away the very desirable 4mations International Newcomer in Animation Award.
Supported by 4mations.tv, Kudlian Software and Canon, the award recognizes originality and technical achievement in animation, and the £2,000 cash prize was won by Rabbit Punch directed by Kristian Andrews. Please Say Something, by David O’Reilly, was rewarded with the Jury’s special commendation.
Didn’t catch the films? Here’s what the Jury had to say about them:
Rabbit Punch
This film combines dramatic story-telling with great designs. It very accurately portrays the secret life of teenagers in a rural British setting, (a theme not often explored in animated shorts), in an economical and effective way. The story and the lead character’s dilemmas feel very real and emotionally engaging and there is a lot of tension and humour in the story-telling. It is technically adept, with excellent framing and composition.
Please Say Something
This deceptively powerful film is a kind of anti-Hello Kitty assault on the senses. Exploring the relationship between a cat and a mouse it uses very sparse and economical character designs in a futuristic setting to tell a cinematic and multi-layered story. It was extremely thought-provoking and ambitious, using fractured narrative, multiple perspectives and bold sound design.
Did you watch the shorts? Tell us what you thought!
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