Richard Williams to bring ‘The Thief and the Cobbler’ to Annecy 2015
Skwigly
Two-time Oscar winner Richard Williams will return to Annecy this June for two screenings of his Director’s cut of The Thief and the Cobbler.
Richard Williams at Annecy 2008
The film’s much-documented production history began in 1964, eventually seeing a 1995 release in the wake of the success of Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the film for which Williams is best known due to his remarkable work as Animation Director. The released version, alternately known as The Princess and the Cobbler and Arabian Knight, was heavily criticised for its changes to his original vision, which only officially saw the light of day in 2013 and has since been preserved by the AMPAS.
Richard Williams is also known for his must-own trove of animation techniques The Animator’s Survival Kit and accompanying lecture series, as well as his animation work in films such as Charge of the Light Brigade, Casino Royale and his Oscar-winning 1971 adaptation of A Christmas Carol.
Returning to Annecy after being on the 2008 feature film jury, Williams will be at the festival this year to present two sessions where audiences will be able to experience his Director’s cut of The Thief and the Cobbler and have the opportunity to meet him in person.
To learn more about the man and his work you can listen to our interview in episode 17 of the Skwigly Podcast:
For more information about this year’s edition of the Annecy Festival you can visit the official site at annecy.org