Annecy 2011 – Day 3
Day three of Annecy was another washout, but as this is not a weather report I shall not bore you with the details, let’s just say I was planning on getting a paddle boat back to my hotel instead of a taxi.
I took my first trip around MIFA, the side of the festival reserved for buyers, sellers and students who seem to spend their whole time crowding around the Disney stand. The Disney stand is fantastic. Guys from the studio are on hand to give out tips advice and presentations. Next year they need a much bigger booth than the massive one they already have as the crowds gathered to hear the talks are always huge.
I also attended a British networking event were the primary topic of discussion was the state of British animation and the best way of getting funding, where crowds gathered to talk over the speeches and scoff little aperitifs. I also attended the Swiss party for more free wine and food. Legend has it that if you attend the right order of events at Annecy over the day … you will never have to pay for food and drink! All inclusive animation fun.
However, it wasn’t all getting drunk off free wine though, I had the opportunity to see a few films as well
Films in competition
Pl!INK
Dir. Anne Kristin Berge (Norway/Poland)
Simple and stylish … this cleverly titled flick begins with minimal colours and a rather non consequential event, as a father trying to control his young child ruins a painting he is working on before the duo heading off into a colourful wonderland accompanied by the delightful plinking of a piano through a myriad of different coloured splashes that shape the adventure. It’s a bright and breezy trip that everyone should enjoy
Kapitan Hu
Dir. Basil Vogt (Switzerland)
Presented in the style of scratches on film we follow the adventures of Captain Hu as he is marooned on a hill and desperately tries to free his stricken vessel from the craggy rocks. The film continues as Hu inadvertently solves the problem without knowing, through a series of funny transactions and events.
Paths of Hate
Dir. Damien Nenow (Poland)
Fans of the British boys comic ‘Commando’ will love this film as a wonderfully choreographed dogfight takes place, featuring a couple of world war two fighters battered and bruised after a grueling battle in the sky. The film continues as the fighters run out of bullets and decide to go their separate ways as neither of them end up the victor. The film then takes a twist to the hallucinogenic, as the fighters literally transform into hate filled daemon’s baying for each other’s blood. Although the film could have ended with the pilots separating and flying away, the twist ending is a well-placed fantastical one that adds a bit more to this adrenaline filled film.
A Morning Stroll
Dir. Grant Orchard (Great Britain)
This tale from Studio AKA is a re-imagining of a tale that has been told before but expanded and re-defined in three different ways throughout a period of 100 years. Each period is distinct from the other in style but retains a lighthearted and fun element which kept the audience thoroughly entertained.
O Sapateiro
Dir. David Doutel, Vasco Sa (Portugal)
How many times have you thought to yourself ‘I wish there had been more films about shoemakers having a nervous breakdown’? Well if you had this is the film for you. It’s a moody piece that has a style that adds to the sense of gloom as we follow the shoemaker through his boring and frustrating life.
Les Ciseaux pointus
Dir. Laurent Foudrot (France)
Accompanied by a horrid hum throughout, this film centres on the dark thoughts of a young girl who repeats her wish for a sharp pair of scissors. The darkness continues through to a dramatic conclusion which, although is signposted throughout, still strikes a chord.
Chroniques de la poisse
Dir. Osman Cerfon (France)
An odd little comedy about an anamorphic fish whose bubbles spell doom for all those that come across them. The deaths are eccentric in a bizarre and comedic way. The audience is left in suspense as the hilarious nonsense continues throughout.
Junk
Dir. Kirk Hendry (Great Britain)
A dark poem about a boy who eats masses of junk food. As his appetite grows so does his ambition before he is literally eating junk from the junkyard. Fans of Tim Burtons ‘Vincent’ may be able draw comparison whilst still enjoying this silhouette short.
Maska
Dir. The Quay Brothers (Poland)
If you have ever seen a short film by the quays before you will know exactly what to expect. Like a nightmare you have when you have got the flu this film takes place in an unfamiliar world that adds to the surreal horror presented throughout. The lengthy story adds to the uncomfortable nature of the film that at times becomes stale as you grow accustomed to the images on screen, before re-igniting a slight interest as the story twists in this tale of metamorphosis.