Lupus Films’ “The Tiger Who Came to Tea” wins Palm Springs award
Skwigly
Lupus Films’ half hour special The Tiger Who Came to Tea has triumphed in the Best 2D Children’s Animated Shorts – Age 6-12 category at the 2020 Palm Springs International Animation Festival & Expo Awards. The award was announced virtually by PSIAF, a global competition in animation dedicated to showcasing the world’s most talented artists.
Based on the hit children’s picture book written and illustrated by revered author Judith Kerr OBE and published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, The Tiger Who Came to Tea was produced by Lupus Films and HarperCollins and directed by Robin Shaw for Channel 4.
Premiering on Channel 4 on Christmas Eve 2019, The Tiger Who Came to Tea attracted millions of viewers over the holiday period and became the network’s best-performing show of that year aside from The Great British Bake Off. Bringing to life the delightful story of what happens when a monstrously hungry tiger turns up unannounced as Sophie and her Mummy are having tea in the kitchen, its illustrious cast included Benedict Cumberbatch, David Oyelowo, David Walliams, Tamsin Greig and Paul Whitehouse, and featured an original song, Hey Tiger!, written by David Arnold and Don Black and performed by Robbie Williams.
The PSIAF Award is yet another accolade for the enchanting film to sit alongside its growing list of prestigious honours, which include an International Emmy Kids Award for Best Animation; the Annecy Jury Award for a TV Special; the Jury Prize for Best 2D Animated Short Film at Animayo: The International Film Festival of Animation, Visual Effects and Video Games; and the Animated Encounters Grand Prix winner for Best Animated Short at the Encounters International Film Festival.
The response to the film has been amazing and we are thrilled and proud to see it win another prestigious award against top quality global competition. It’s testament to the fabulous work of director Robin Shaw and all the talented team who worked so hard to capture the spirit of Judith Kerr’s much-loved story.
-Ruth Fielding (The Tiger Who Came to Tea Co-Producer & Lupus Films Joint Managing Director)
Learn more about the making of The Tiger Who Came to Tea in our 2019 podcast interview with director Robin Shaw (direct download here or stream below):