In the world of the Ottoman Sultans, a poor Jewish boy from Jerusalem makes an unimaginable desert journey to Cairo, outsmarting a rapacious caravan leader, to save his mother and siblings from disaster. He has nine days…..
A teenage girl, Ulyana, faces the difficulties of adolescence and becomes the object of ridicule at school. The girl begins to grow a strange shell on her back, which protects her. One day in biology class, unable to stand the bullying, she runs off to the park, where she meets Rita, who has the ability to see Ulyana's shell. The girls become friends, but Ulyana does not trust Rita. After a quarrel, Ulyana accidentally plunges into Rita's inner world, where she sees her hidden problems. They both realize that each has their own difficulties. Ultimately, they gain mutual understanding and support.
Locked up in a room that has an awning window, a Bird teaches a Little Bird how to fly, even if he has no wings. The appearance of a mysterious briefcase will ruin his plans, and reveal to Little Bird an unexpected possibility to escape.
As the Spring breathes in her first breath of the year, the sun, the flowers and the life touches the vibrant city of Montreal.
Two old friends and neighbours (a gardener and a mole) in the wilderness, waiting for the wind, which will help them fulfil an absurd dream.
A ShadowLight Production created in the spring of 2024. "Chagall in His Own Words: An Invocation" is an avant-garde shadow theater production inspired by the early life of painter Marc Chagall. Drawing from Chagall's autobiography "Mein Leben," the production uses Chinese-style puppets to animate his words and artwork. Directed by Larry Reed, with Art Direction by Naomie Kremer, the ShadowLight Productions team vividly portrays the artist's childhood in a shtetl and his creative inspirations. In a nod to traditional animation, the crew employed various physical planar layers to manipulate shadows and puppets, which were ultimately flattened by the output of a video camera. Credits: Words by Marc Chagall English Narration by Peter Coyote Art Director - Naomie Kremer Music & Foley - Beth Custer Shadow Master - I Made Moja Shadow Casters/Puppet Fabricators Fred C. Riley III Wendy Morton Jessica Nguyen Daniel McGuire Stephen Clifford Caryl Kientz Jacquelyn Serrano Larry Reed Cinematographer - Jacquelyn Serrano Producer - Caryl Kientz Director - Larry Reed Film Editors Larry Reed & Jacquelyn Serrano Re-Recording Mixer Ben Hicks Disher Sound
Keith tells the story of the filmmaker who found a dead body behind the rubbish bins at his flat in Glasgow. During the film we watch as the filmmaker tries to find out the name of the dead person. The journey takes place on their mobile phone as they use different apps and methods of communication to undercover who the dead person was. Different animation techniques help bring the story to life as photographs, social media, dating apps and blogs are explored to put together a picture of the dead person. Distractions are common as the filmmaker struggles to concentrate and communicate. The pressure of the situation is conveyed through stop-motion animation, where trash, objects and nature come to life to offer help and interruptions. The filmmaker explores his neurodiversity and autistic traits, as different forms of communication come to the fore. As the film progresses the tension builds, and the name of the person finally reveals itself.
After a violent episode on Memorial Day, we placed my partner in memory care. 11 weeks later he died. This short film, made in partnership with Chilean animators Sebastián Bisbal and Natalie Johns, explores the contradiction between for-profit institutions and the deep humanity of care workers and residents. The piece ends in healing. The truth of observation is seared into my heart.
The Green Lady of Caerphilly Castle, Wales, UK. A story of love, betrayal, and the afterlife.
Alan suffers from a genetic disorder called NF1. He feels inadequate, shy and uncomfortable with himself due to bumps on different body parts. As a young boy, he draws and paints himself like a superhero. He grows from a carefree, spirited kid to a conscious young adult. The story revolves around Alan and his Ah-Ma relationship. It resolves when Ah-ma benignly encourages Alan to pursue his desire to get cool tattoos that give him some confidence around his peers.
Lighty is an explorer - a fearless and passionate artist who can paint anywhere. Stepping into a mysterious and boundless blue realm, she feels a surge of inspiration, an unstoppable desire of creation. Without hesitation, she sets up her easel, picks up her favorite pencil, and begins to draw. But the moment she reaches for another tool, her easel vanishes without a trace. Startled, Lighty scans her surroundings and spots the easel in the distance. As she approaches, it suddenly stirs, shifting on its own. Moments later, it reveals its true form—Ezelia, a lively, cat-like easel brought to life.
A Winter Faerie brings the snow to two Elves sharing gifts.
The boy doesn't like when somebody kiss him. But what happens if every time you get kissed you erase it? You slowly start to lose your color. And live in an unhappy and more colorless world. For this you have to rediscover human warmth, love and friendship. Handmade watercolor animation
ATHENS ANIMFEST
