Post ‘Flow,' the Baltics Bring a Magnificent Seven of New Animation Titles to Annecy
From spicy stories, inspired by a Chinese erotic novel, to buckets of very dry humor and even a blond penguin – the Baltics try to cover it all in new projects presented at Annecy. As observed by Lyza Karoly Jarvis from Estonian Academy of Arts, the region is 'booming with new and fresh energy in the animation scene. In a time when almost anything is possible, I feel that we take that limitless possibility seriously in our creation. The Baltics have always been a place to find interesting and passion-filled work, but you see it especially now with an ever-growing interest in animation and new generations of filmmakers. The success of 'Flow' feels like the universe acknowledging this passion.' Here's a look at what's in store.
'Adult Bedtime Stories'
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About to be presented at Annecy MIFA pitches for TV series, this project sees Kaspar Jancis – known for 'Piano,' 'Cosmonaut' or feature-length 'Captain Morten and The Spider Queen' – continuing his collab with Rebel Frame. The show's pilot, 'The Dog,' is inspired by a chapter from an ancient Chinese erotic novel, with images made from original Chinese paintings and traditional music performed by Wu Man. 'While the stories we adapt for the screen are humorous, absurd, obscure and witty, the format also offers visual eye-candy and even educational aspects,' assures producer Kadriann Kibus. 'Surprisingly, these ancient stories often resonate with modern times.' Sex is not the main focus of the series, however. 'It's simply a connecting theme. The primary goal is to give the audience a time-travel experience by reviving old stories, graphic styles and music. As we are treating the subject matter rather symbolically, there's not much explicit material that would need to be censored. We believe the series will be a fun and aesthetic viewing and are now looking for a broadcasting or streaming partner.'
'Cleanliness'
Latvia
Andrejs Brīvulis' 2D digitally drawn animated short film – spotlighted as part of the Graduation Films competition – is based on the poem by Kārlis Vērdiņš. Representing the Art Academy of Latvia, Brīvulis dives into a – very detailed – account of a day in one office worker's life. He meets a man, takes showers, replies to messages and enjoys sexual fantasies about the next possible conquest. But there's already someone waiting for him at home. 'Similarly to other poems by Vērdiņš, it's characterized by an ironic view of social conventions, cultural and literary traditions, as well as portrayal of kind-hearted humor, eroticism and human love,' explains the director. 'I believe the Baltics have a rather unique handwriting in the films they make. There's a large variety in the stories being told and unique perspectives that differ from traditional western cinema. We are still lacking actual animators who can do the work, as well as the amount of financial aid available from state foundations. Often, the only way to make features is by co-production.'
'The Diffusion Pilot'
Estonia
Director and audiovisual artist from Lithuania, Aurelijus Čiupas, reflects on some timely dilemmas dividing the industry. In his short essay film, playing with the legacy of video art, an animator navigates the conflicting implications of generative AI: a technology that both empowers and overpowers the notion of creativity. Another intriguing proposition from the Estonian Academy of Arts (see below).
'Luna Rossa'
Estonia, France
Priit and Olga Pärn – who also co-directed 2010 'Divers in the Rain' – make it all the way to the festival's main short film competition this year. Combining classic 2D hand-drawn animation with mo-cap technique, their film explores such themes as surveillance, love, alienation, and human need for belonging, 'presenting them poetically with a touch of absurdity,' says producer Kalev Tamm at Eesti Joonisfilm. Priit Pärn, known for 'Breakfast on the Grass' and 'Night of the Carrots,' is fresh off multiple Lifetime Achievement awards, including one at the European Animation Awards. 'I think this quote by the Estonian ambassador to Portugal, Moonika Kase, sums up his importance as an animation auteur quite well: With his unmistakable graphic style, eccentric and subtle sense of humor, and highly original storytelling, Priit Pärn has established himself throughout his career as one of the most recognized artists in Estonian and world animation.' Emmanuel-Alain Raynal and Pierre Baussaron (Miyu Productions) are also on board.
'Poppy Flowers'
Estonia
Evridiki Papaiakovou takes on difficult relationships in her short, as a daughter tries to reconcile with her mother. Memories of their shared rituals come in handy. 'Poppy Flowers' is one of many recent successes from the Estonian Academy of Arts, like Natalia Mirzoyan's 'Winter in March' and interactive installation 'God Seed'. As noticed by Lyza Karoly Jarvis, project coordinator and distributor, the school delivers films 'in a plethora of techniques and genres, each showcasing the student's individual artistic expression, identity, philosophies and perspectives on the world. Some are more humorous observations of people and situations, while others are more contemplative. This year we have three 3D films, four puppet and seven hand-drawn films,' she says, noting that students were energized by 'Flow's' success. 'I saw their excitement when we got the news that it won [the Academy Award]. It motivated them. There is a new feeling in the air of possibility, of potentially being able to reach an audience we assumed we couldn't reach before. The world should keep an eye out for the Baltics.'
'Saima – Scenes from a Midlife Crisis'
Estonia, Croatia, France
Heading to MIFA pitches for feature films, it's the first feature film by Estonia's Chintis Lundgren and Draško Ivezić from Croatia. Before, they have delivered 'Manivald' and 'Toomas Beneath the Valley of the Wild Wolves.' The story – set within the same universe – sees Saima, a 40-year-old judge, sensing trouble when her beloved Ludvig grows distant during a work trip. Then, a package containing a mysterious wooden frog arrives at her office, and Ludvig admits to an affair, confirming her fears. Produced by Marianne Ostrat, known for doc 'Smoke Sauna Sisterhood,' the film 'allows audiences to laugh off the turmoil of navigating personal pain, existential crises and the chaos of midlife transformation,' she observes. 'I wasn't really planning to venture into an animated feature next, but the stars aligned: Chintis and Draško – who are also Sundance alumni – invited me to join their project. I'm very excited to bring the audiences, who received my previous film so warmly, another cinematic experience.'
'Thelma's Perfect Birthday'
Latvia, Luxembourg
Directed by Reinis Kalnaellis – and shown in Annecy Presents – this feature-length film for children and families was produced by Rija Films and Paul Thiltges Distributions. It tells the story of young penguin Thelma with curly blond hair, enjoying her calm life in a snowy village. Thelma can't wait for her birthday, which is only days away – after all, she doesn't want to be four years old forever – but the preparations don't go as planned. Still, what seems like a disaster turns into a life-changing adventure. 'Though colorful, sparkly fantasy for young audiences, the film tackles universal themes like societal pressure, emotional intelligence, and individuality,' says Kanaellis, also behind 'Singing Hugo and His Incredible Adventures.' He wants to 'build bridges' with his work, he admits. 'Both narratively and structurally. Working with modest budgets, Baltic creators excel at turning constraints into stylistic strengths. I'm currently focused on upcoming projects that will be rooted in dark humor and absurdity.'
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