Diversity is the word this year in our annual collage of animated gems – films that dare you to reach out and run your hands over the textures of paint and pencil.
Screened as part of NZIFF 2006
Animation Now 2006
Welcome once again to our annual collage of animated gems. ‘Diversity’ is the word this year: we’ve never presented a more varied collection of genres, styles and narratives. Although we never doubted it, it is still a delight to be reminded that so much animation remains essentially a handmade craft. This programme drives that point home to where it really counts – on the big screen! Where else can a pen-sketched character tower over you? Here are films that dare you to reach out and run your hands over the textures of paint and pencil.
McLaren’s Negatives 2006
This charmingly animated documentary waltzes gracefully through the life and films of animation hero Norman McLaren.
Soup 2005
Mother Nature stirs a swirling sepia soup in which whole worlds drift, float and sink.
An Unusual Circumstance 2005
An insightful, slightly surreal look at the way one young girl reacts to bullies in her school.
In My Day 2005
Primary school students create drawings to illustrate the reminiscences of their elders.
Sans Secularity 2004
A short, sharp deluge of popular media, religion and political iconography.
Dreamer 2005
Gorgeous, classic paint-on-glass. Some noisy nocturnal housework incites the wrath of neighbours as the moon and stars fall from the sky.
Walking 2005
Footsteps, doorbells, cars. From sound comes illumination. A gentle, animated study of the simple things in life.
The Man of the Hour 2004
‘As queer as a clockwork orange.’ One man’s tangled descent into the bizarre.
Son of Satan 2004
Compelling and horrifying in equal measure, this uniquely styled film perfectly captures the chilling essence of the Charles Bukowski piece that inspired it.
Tragic Story with Happy Ending 2005
An absorbing and boldly hand-drawn masterpiece. A lesson in not only accepting difference in others, but accepting it in oneself.
The True Story of Sawney Beane 2005
A happy, gruesome little tale of love and cannibalism for all the family.
Life In Transition 2005
A Dali-inspired feast for the eyes.
Element of Light 2004
A masterful, hand-scratched film evoking fireworks and the dazzling colours of the big night sky.
At the Quinte Hotel 2005
Superbly laconic visualisation of Al Purdy’s poem about an impromptu reading at the Quinte Hotel.
The Curse of the Voodoo Child 2005
Hendrix with pictures. Found footage of street scenes and pole dancers is overcome by a thick carpet of animated haze.