Annecy 2019: Six “TV Films” Highlights
The TV Films category at Annecy are always a good chance to catch up with the latest batch of TV series and specials that have graced televisions over the past year.
Over 4 programmes, there were 24 shows selected; these included the more ‘mainstream’ network shows such as 101 Dalmation Street, Apple and Onion, Becca’s Bunch, Kung Fu Panda. The Powerpuff Girls.
However, the ones which caught our eye this year were slightly outside the usual mold; below we introduce each show with a synopsis, but suggest you watch the trailers to get a proper flavor of these shows…
The Shivering Truth “Chaos Beknownst”
Directed by: Cat Solen, Vernon Chatman
Production: Williams Street
“The omnibus of painfully riotous emotional parables dripping from the deepest caverns of your unconscious are lovingly animated in stop-motion. In other words, it is the Truth.”
Where can I watch it? – Aside from the Pilot episode above, all 6 episodes of The Shivering Truth are available on Adult Swim in certain territories.
Tigtone “Tigtone and Those Elemental Kings”
Directed by: Freddy Cristy, Benjamin Martin
Production: Titmouse Inc.
“The quarter-hour animated series, Tigtone, (created by Andrew Koehler and Benjamin Martian) is the saga of a quest-addicted hero who slashes his way across a satirical fantasy universe with melodramatic ferocity, always obeying the letter of the law but never its spirit.”
Where can I watch it? – Tigtone can be viewed on Adult Swim or YouTube in certain territories.
Panic in the Village “The County Fair”
Directed by: Vincent Patar, Stéphane Aubier
Production: Panique SPRL, Beast Animation
“Thanks to working hard and with some self-sacrifice, Indian and Cowboy successfully pass their school exams. As a reward, Horse bought VIP tickets for the Great Agricultural Fair, but Horse falls over and suffers amnesia. They must find the tickets!”
Episodes from the ‘Panic’ series always go down well with audiences, especially at Annecy – “The County Fair” being no exception, as it picked up the Annecy Cristal for a TV Production.
Where can I watch it? – Although not yet on release, Panic episodes are released on DVD and VOD services sporadically. If you get a chance to see this at a festival, we would highly recommend,
Kiri and Lou “Funny Feeling”
Directed by: Harry Sinclair
Production: Stretchy
“Kiri and Lou is an animated series about the friendship of two prehistoric dinosaurs creatures and their adventures in the forest a long, long time ago. Kiri and Lou laugh and sing and play all kinds of games with their friends, as they navigate the tumultuous emotions of childhood.”
Don’t let this seemingly ‘pre-school’ description put you off – this episode had the Annecy audiences in fits of laughter; both adults and children!
Where can I watch it? – The show is only broadcast in Canada and New Zealand at the moment; however, a few episodes and clips are available on the Kiri and Lou YouTube channel.
My Life in Versailles
Directed by: Clémence Madeleine-Perdrillat, Nathaniel H’Limi
Production: Films Grand Huit, Miyu Productions
“A shy 8 years old Girl, Violette loses her parents in a terrorist attack in Paris. From now on she’ll have to live with her uncle Regis, who is a janitor at Versailles. Violette hates him: he stinks. So she decides never to speak to him.”
This 29-minute film, made combining hand-drawn and 2D computer animation, picked up the Jury Award for a TV Special.
Where can I watch it? – As a French TV Special, unfortunately your best chance of viewing this film will be at other festivals for the time being.
Zog
Directed by: Max Lang, Daniel Snaddon
Production: Magic Light Pictures
“A keen young dragon is desperate to impress his teacher, and he has a surprising friendship with a powerful young princess.”
Where can I watch it? – Zog was first shown on the BBC for the 2018 Christmas schedule, but you can now order it on Amazon.