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Films in the Spotlight at Annecy
We’re thrilled that the annual Annecy toonfest will be in full swing once again this month (June 14-19). In addition to all the amazing shorts, works-in-progress sessions and informative talks and panels, the event will showcase 19 animated movies (10 in the official competition and nine in the Contrechamps “reverse shot” sidebar). Here is a quick rundown of these hot new titles, accompanied by comments from the festival’s brilliant artistic director, Marcel Jean:
The Ape Star. Dir: Linda Hambäck (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) “A film that follows the grand tradition of cinema for young audiences, from the north of Europe.”
Snotty Boy. Dir: Marcus Rosenmüller, Santiago Lopez Jover (Germany, Austria) “A pleasant surprise for this first animation feature produced in the Austrian vernacular; a funny movie that takes a biting look at reality.”
You Animal! The Nimfa Dimaano Story. Dir: Avid Liongoren (Philippines) “One of the selection’s special surprises. A fun and funny film tackling adult topics, with complex characters and a scathing depiction of social differences.”
Poupelle of Chimney Town. Dir: Yusuke Hirota (Japan). “An absolutely astonishing, profoundly original futuristic work coming to us from Studio 4°C.”
Official Competition
Jiang Ziya: The Legend of Deification. Dir: Wei Li, Teng Cheng (China). “A spectacular action and adventure work, another lush example of the artistic ambitions and high technical feats of Chinese animation.”
The Deer King. Dir: Masashi Ando, Masayuki Miyaji (Japan). “Production I.G studio’s most recent production, a film impatiently awaited by animation fans. This is a complex, expansive and ambitious work. Among others, Masashi Ando is known for having worked alongside Hayao Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon.”
Flee. Dir: Jonas Poher Rasmussen (Denmark, France, Norway, Sweden). “A highly anticipated feature film coming to us after its incredible success early this year at Sundance.”
Lamya’s Poem. Dir: Alex Kronemer (Canada, U.S.) “A movie which belongs to the introductory geopolitical sphere, quite present in animation cinema in recent years with such films as The Breadwinner. Lamya’s Poem is the first animation feature directed by Alex Kronemer, already the scriptwriter of Bilal: A New Breed of Heroes, selected out of competition at Annecy 2015.”
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish. Dir: Kotaro Tamura (Japan). “A juicy rom-com produced by Bones that holds pride of place at the festival’s opening session.”
My Sunny Maad. Dir: Michaela Pavlátová (Czech Republic, France) “My Sunny Maad from Michaela Pavlátová is the first feature film from a director who won the Cristal for short film in 2012. It is a touching story, full of nuance and subtlety about the experience of a Western woman living in Afghanistan. Definitely one of the most anticipated films of the year!”
Mount Fuji Seen from a Moving Train. Dir: Pierre Hébert (Canada) “A living legend in film-stock engraving and animated explorations combining documentary and multi-disciplinary experimentations, Pierre Hébert has gifted us today with a major work inspired by pioneer Robert Breer.”
Archipelago. Dir: Félix Dufour-Laperrière (Canada) “This film signals the return of a filmmaker with a strong artistic touch, just two years after treating us to Ville Neuve, also competing in the Contrechamp section. What we have here is a visually sumptuous essay, reminiscent of the spirit of Chris Marker.”
Cryptozoo. Dir: Dash Shaw (U.S.A.) “Cryptozoo comes to us following rave reviews at Berlin and Sundance. This feature film spins its magic
Contrechamp (Reverse Shot)
between poetry, science-fiction and political philosophy. With it, Dash Shaw has shown himself to be a rightful heir to René Laloux.”
Chicken of the Mound. Dir: Xi Chen (Germany, China) “This movie will astound many! The director entices us into a world thronging with robots, a mix between David OReilly and The Matrix.”
Climbing. Dir: Hye-mi Kim (South Korea) “Climbing follows a female character obsessed with mountain climbing and performance, forced to face her own personal demons. Here is a film that flickers between intrigue, mystery and nightmare.”
Absolute Denial. Dir: Ryan Braund (U.K.) “A oneman work that once again describes how an artificial intelligence can overtake its creator.”
Bob Spit – We Do Not Like People. Dir: Cesar Cabral (Brazil) “This film was to have been part of the Annecy 2020 selection. Unfortunately, this stop-motion documentary dedicated to the famous artist Angeli could not be completed on time due to the pandemic. We are so very happy to be able to present it to you this year.”
My Uncle José. Dir: Ducca Rios (Brazil) “A political and historical work made for young viewers. A beautiful example of the creativity that has courageously survived in Brazilian animation through these very tough times.”
City of Lost Things. Dir: Chih-Yen Yee (Taiwan) “This work entices us into a city awash with plastic bags and other discarded items. What we have here is an original piece, with a strong musical underpinning.” ◆
For up to date info, visit annecy.org.
My Sunny Maad
Lamya’s Poem Josee, the Tiger and the Fish
