NYC’s Festival of French Animation
View this cover in Augmented Reality Download the #FIAF Animation App Chers amis, We are excited to present an Animation First exclusive work-in-progress 2019 Curated by Following the great success of showcase of The Swallows our inaugural Festival last year, of Kabul, directed by French Catherine I am thrilled to present the filmmakers Zabou Breitman Lamairesse second edition of FIAF’s and Eléa Gobbé-Mévellec. Founder of Focus Animation First. on French You will discover the Cinema This year’s Festival will unique Pinscreen animation Delphine celebrate France’s prominent instrument through shorts, Selles-Alvarez role as Europe’s largest a panel, and workshops. FIAF Film Curator producer of animated film. We will present a wide array Throughout the weekend, of provoking films and you can immerse yourself Presenting exciting shorts. In addition, in the worlds of virtual Sponsor there will be immersive reality, video games, and City of Bordeaux exhibits, video game augmented reality. demonstrations, panels with Lead Sponsors leading animators and film We will close out the Atari executives, and much more. Festival with a program CNC Magelis of shorts nominated for Animation First highlights the 2019 César Awards. Join us Best of Bordeaux, putting for this rare opportunity a spotlight on the City to see these acclaimed of Bordeaux’s animation works on the big screen. industry. In recent years, the city has become a burgeoning I look forward to welcoming market for animation, gaming, you to Animation First 2019 and virtual reality, attracting and celebrating the richness the Cartoon Movie industry of French animation! forum and a new Ubisoft studio. À bientôt, Michel Ocelot, our Guest of Honor and legendary director, will open Animation First with a screening of his groundbreaking feature, Kirikou and the Sorceress, celebrating Marie-Monique Steckel its 20th anniversary. He President will share the stories of his successful career.
1 Table of Contents Feature Film
Shorts, Shorts, Shorts! Focus on Bordeaux p.3 Michel Ocelot: Guest of Honor p.4–5 Discussions
Events for Professionals and Students p.6 Work-in-Progress
Friday, January 25 VR, AR, Workshops
Opening Night For Kids Too! Kirikou and the Sorceress p.8 Erotic Shorts p.9
Saturday, January 26 Ivan Tsarevitch and the Changing Princess p.12 Documentary Shorts p.13 Animation First Homage to Takahata: Only Yesterday p.15 Focus on Bordeaux Conversation with Michel Ocelot p.16 Video Game Panel p.16 Bordeaux is not only the wine capital of the world and a UNESCO “It’s an honor to be able world heritage site, it also fosters a rich cultural community. to showcase Bordeaux’s Best of Annecy Shorts p.17 Home to many graphic artists, Bordeaux has opened its doors talented artists and Pinscreen Magic Shorts p.18 to the worlds of animation and graphic novels. Bordeaux-based filmmakers on this side of Funan p.19 publishers (Cornelius, Requins Marteaux), producers (Capricci, the Atlantic. It has been a Marmitafilms, Schmuby Productions), and schools regularly col- priority of mine to support Late Night Chills p.20 laborate in the region on exciting projects in their fields. the creative industries Since 2017, Bordeaux has hosted Cartoon Movie, Europe’s premier within our region, so I am Sunday, January 27 professional pitching and co-production event for animated features. delighted that they will be In addition to this vibrant ecosystem, companies from the video presented as part of FIAF’s Robinson & compagnie p.22 game industry such as Ubisoft, Asobo Studio, and Nova-box, as Animation First festival.” White Fang p.23 well as studios like SolidAnim, which specializes in special effects The Legacy of the Pinscreen Panel p.24 and virtual reality, play a major role in the animation industry. — Alain Juppé, Bordeaux is also home to one of the only cinemas in Europe Mayor of Bordeaux Mastering Special Effects Panel p.24 exclusively devoted to animation. For the last 28 years, this The Swallows of Kabul: Work-in-Progress p.25 unique cinema, Le Festival, has organized Les Nuits Magiques, a popular animation festival under the patronage of Michel Ocelot, Michel Ocelot Selected Shorts p.26 Animation First’s Guest of Honor this year. Comedy Shorts p.27 César-Nominated Shorts p.28 Highlights from Bordeaux
Le Port de la Lune Videos Games An UMANIMATION VR short Produced by Asobo (A Plague Tale), All Weekend Part of VR Exhibition all weekend Nova-box (Seers Isle) and Ubisoft Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality p.30 in the FIAF Gallery Sat, Jan 26–Sun, Jan 27, 11am–6pm Video Games p.31 Late Night Chills White Fang Shorts from Marmitafilms and Presented at Cartoon Movie Pinscreen Workshops p.32 Schmuby Productions, and and produced in Angoulême selection by Les Nuits Magiques Sun, Jan 27, 12:45pm Ticket & Venue Information p.33 Sat, Jan 26, 10:30pm Guest Biographies p.34–35 Mastering Special Effects Robinson & compagnie A presentation with SolidAnim Festival Schedule p.36 Distributed by Capricci on motion capture and virtual Sun, Jan 27, 11am reconstruction Sun, Jan 27, 4:30pm 2 3 Michel Ocelot Guest of Honor 10 5
Azur & Asmar: The Princes’ Quest Fri, Jan 25 at 11am Inspired by the folklore of North Africa and the Middle East, this FIAF Florence Gould Hall original fairy tale takes place in a staggeringly beautiful fantasy world. Michel Ocelot surprises and disturbs in a powerful call Part of FIAF’s for tolerance. Young Audience Program
L’Image Originelle Fri, Jan 25–Sun, Jan 27 by Pierre-Henri Gibert FIAF Tinker Auditorium This extract from a documentary series detailing the formative US Premiere experiences of master filmmakers making their first films captures In French with English subtitles Michel Ocelot discussing the process behind Kirikou and the Sor- Courtesy of Caïmans Productions, ceress. This 26 minute clip will loop throughout the weekend. Ciné+ and the Gan Foundation for Cinema.
Kirikou and the Sorceress Fri, Jan 25 at 7pm Steeped in popular African folktales, Ocelot brings to life the FIAF Florence Gould Hall exquisite adventures of little Kirikou—a smart and courageous boy who must save his village. This enchanting film fuses African mythology and stunning imagery, which broadened the scope of what animation could accomplish on screen. Michel Ocelot Guest of Honor Ivan Tsarevitch and the Changing Princess Sat, Jan 26 at 11am Using his gorgeous trademark silhouetted style, Michel Ocelot con- FIAF Florence Gould Hall Animation First celebrates filmmaker Michel Ocelot, a master - jures far-away lands of Indian palaces and Slavic castles in this film. of French animation, on the 20th anniversary of the release He plays with traditional fairy tale tropes and reinvents them. of Kirikou and the Sorceress. The film marked a turning point in the industry when it was released in 1998.
Only Yesterday (Souvenirs goutte à goutte) Sat, Jan 26 at 12:45pm Biography Homage to Takahata FIAF Florence Gould Hall Michel Ocelot presents one of his favorite films by Isao Takahata, Born on the Côte D’Azur in France, Michel Ocelot spent his the renowned filmmaker and co-founder of Japan’s famed Studio childhood in Guinea and his adolescence in Anjou. He studied Ghibli. Takahata, who passed away in 2018, was greatly inspired decorative arts in Paris and attended CalArts in Los Angeles, before by French animation and helped introduce works such as Ocelot’s settling in Paris to devote his entire career to animated cinema. Kirikou to Japanese audiences. In 1998, the public discovered Michel Ocelot with his first feature Kirikou and the Sorceress. His other animated features include Princ- Conversation with filmmaker Michel Ocelot Sat, Jan 26 at 3pm es and Princesses, a fairy tale told through silhouettes, and Kirikou Ocelot discusses his career, from the critical success of Kirikou FIAF Skyroom and the Wild Beasts, co-directed with Bénédicte Galup. His fourth and the Sorceress to his most recent feature Dilili in Paris, which feature film Azur & Asmar: The Princes’ Quest (2006), set on the premiered in France in June 2018. banks of the Mediterranean Sea, was selected by the 2006 Cannes Film Festival as part of the Directors’ Fortnight.
Michel Ocelot Selected Shorts Sun, Jan 27 at 3:30 pm His short films include The Three Inventors (BAFTA for best animated In this program of eclectic shorts handpicked by Michel Ocelot for FIAF Florence Gould Hall film, London, 1980), The Legend of the Poor Hunchback (César for best the Festival, audiences can discover the influences which shaped animated short film, Paris, 1983). and inspired Ocelot’s career as a filmmaker. His latest feature, Dilili in Paris, set during the Belle Époque, was released in France in the fall of 2018.
4 5 Friday, January 25 Films & Party
Animation First Events for Professionals and Students Kirikou and the Sorceress p.8 Erotic Shorts p.9 Professional Workshop
Digital technology innovators—Aymeric Castaing, Emmanuel Fri, Jan 25 at 4:30pm Linot, and Olivier Palmieri—will speak about France’s place at FIAF, Le Skyroom the frontier of new storytelling tools in entertainment & beyond. Introduced by Fabien Robert, Deputy Mayor of Bordeaux.
Masterclasses
Michel Ocelot will present and discuss Azur & Asmar: The Princes’ Thu, Jan 24 at 12pm Quest with students in SVA’s History of Animation class. School of Visual Arts (SVA)
Zabou Breitman will discuss her career as an actress, filmmaker, Fri, Jan 25 at 10am and stage director with students at Fordham University. Fordham University
Michèle Lemieux will speak about the pinscreen instrument for Wed, Jan 30 at 12:45pm Pratt’s Digital Art Lecture Series and review student work. Pratt Institute
Young Audience Program
Azur & Asmar: The Princes’ Quest Fri, Jan 25 at 11am Post-screening Q&A with Michel Ocelot FIAF, Florence Gould Hall Dir. Michel Ocelot, 2006, 99 min Part of FIAF’s Special screening for school groups throughout the tristate area. Young Audience Program
Opening Night 6 7
Kirikou and the Sorceress Join us at 8:30pm for Erotic Shorts Join us at 8:30pm for the Opening Night Party the Opening Night Party Kirikou et la Sorcière in FIAF, Tinker Auditorium in FIAF, Tinker Auditorium
Kirikou and the Sorceress is one of France’s most iconic animated Fri, Jan 25 at 7pm Erotic Shorts returns to Animation First with sensual, naughty, Fri, Jan 25 at 9:30pm films. Released in 1998, this enchanting tale fuses African myth poetic, and risqué works. This year’s selection celebrates and stunning imagery and posseses a sophisticated sensibility FIAF, Florence Gould Hall passion and desire. FIAF, Le Skyroom which delights adults and children alike. Ages 6–adult Mature Audiences
Drawing on popular African folktales, director Michel Ocelot— 70 min. DCP Restored. 69SEC La joie de vivre 60 min. Digital. who spent his childhood in Guinea—brings to life the exquisite Dir. Michel Ocelot, 1998. Dir. Laura Nicolas, 2016 Dir. Anthony Gross In French with English adventures of little Kirikou, a smart and courageous boy who In French with English & Hector Hoppin, 1934 subtitles, or no dialogue. Biciklisti (US Premiere) must save his village from a flesh-eating sorceress and her subtitles. Dir. Veljko Popović, 2018 Le clitoris terrible curse. Kirikou encounters friends and foes, including Dir. Lori Malépart-Traversy, 2016 a monster, a skunk, squirrels, wise men, and the sorceress Do it yourself Karaba’s army of watchmen. Dir. Agnès Clarie, Chloé Masure, Pixel Joy Louise Petit, 2017 Dir. Florentine Grelier, 2012
The film’s gorgeous animation is accompanied by an original Hammam Simbiosis Carnal score by acclaimed musician Youssou N’Dour. Dir. Florence Miaihle, 1991 Dir. Rocío Álvarez, 2017 Intimity Vibrato Dir. Élodie Dermange, 2017 Dir. Sébastien Laudenbach, 2017 Preceded by: Highlight from Bordeaux 2 min 10 sec
Le port de la Lune Dir. Aymeric Castaing, 2017 Short produced by Umanimation No dialogue.
8 9 Saturday,Sunday, February 4 January 26
Ivan Tsarevitch and the Changing Princess p.12 Documentary Shorts p.13 Homage to Takahata: Only Yesterday p.15 Conversation with Michel Ocelot p.16 Video Game Panel p.16 Best of Annecy Shorts p.17 Pinscreen Magic Shorts p.18 Funan p.19 Late Night Chills p.20
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rct_fia_ad_ind_portrait.indd 1 12/17/18 11:01 AM rct_fia_ad_ind_portrait.indd 1 12/17/18 11:01 AM Ivan Tsarevitch Documentary Shorts and the Changing Princess
Michel Ocelot conjures far-away lands of Indian palaces and Sat, Jan 26 at 11am Animation First presents a selection of student-made Sat, Jan 26 at 12pm Slavic castles in a film named after a figure from Russian folklore. documentary shorts marking the tenth anniversary of the Every night, two children meet with an old cinema projectionist, FIAF, Florence Gould Hall partnership between the Angoulême-based EMCA school of FIAF, Le Skyroom and together they let their imaginations run wild, becoming Ages 6–adult animation and CREADOC, a prominent university program Mature audiences adventurers in their own fairy tales. dedicated to training future documentary filmmakers. At 53 min. DCP. times touching and tender, sometimes crude and harsh, 70 min. Digital. With delightful and delicate imagery, using his gorgeous Dir. Michel Ocelot, 2016. these films offer an insightful look at French society. In French with English trademark silhouetted style, Ocelot subtly probes gender In French with English subtitles. stereotypes and plays with traditional fairy tale tropes. subtitles. Whimsical and beautifully crafted, Ivan Tsarevitch and the Comme une vrai famille De silence et de bruit Le leveur de maux One After the Other Changing Princess possesses both a childlike sense of wonder Dir. Edgar Collin, Camille Dir. Anne Escot, Claire Dir. William Gloria, Hugo Dir. Nicolas Pégon, and striking sophistication. Halepin, Mathilde Lathière, Messager, Romane Malezieux, Adèle Le 2018 Paul Wasilewski, 2017 Pauvert, Gaëlle Roques, Gouvello, Tommy Tahir, 2017 2017 Lupus Culture du vivant Dir. Carlos Gomez Dir. Patrick Arnault, Ariane Ici cet ailleurs L’invisible Salamanca, 2016 Teillet, Clarissa Dorival, Dir. Alexandre Arnold, Dir. Louise Grébaut, Emmeline Barc, 2017 Pierre Cassel, Corentin Laurine Kotte, Gautier Haenyo, les femmes de Cholley, Noémie Paille, Robin Val, 2017 la mer Dernier âge Gauthier, 2017 Dir. Eloïc Gimenez, 2018 Dir. Charlène Biju, Alice Vifs Lahourcade, Isis Leterrier, Itineraire Bis Dir. Nicolas Mayeux, Thibaud Llonch, Linxi Dir. Clémentine Lathelier, Clémentine Campos, Zhang, 2017 Naomi Birot, Lorédane Manuel Morvant, 2016 Chun Hung Kee, 2017
12 13 Only Yesterday Introduction Homage to Takahata by Michel Ocelot
Animation First’s Guest of Honor, Michel Ocelot, presents Only Sat, Jan 26 at 12:45pm Yesterday, one of his favorite films by Isao Takahata, co-founder of the famed Studio Ghibli who passed away in 2018. FIAF, Florence Gould Hall Ages 10–adult Only Yesterday follows Taeko, a 27-year-old unmarried woman who has spent her whole life in Tokyo. Taeko decides to visit 120 min. DCP. her relatives in the countryside to take part in the safflower Dir. Isao Takahata, 1991. harvest. In English.
As her train travels through the night, memories of her childhood rush back. Upon her arrival in the countryside, she is met by Toshio, a young farmer. Her stay turns into a period of longing and questioning, as Taeko is consumed by memories of growing up and events that have shaped her as a woman.
Switching between past and present, Only Yesterday is a beautiful and subtle film, emotionally honest and rich with humor.
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Conversation with Michel Ocelot Best of Annecy Shorts Guest of Honor
In a conversation with filmmaker Candy Kugel, Festival Guest Sat, Jan 26 at 3pm The Annecy International Animation Film Festival is the Sat, Jan 26 at 3:30pm of Honor Michel Ocelot will discuss his career from the critical biggest animated film festival in the world. Every year, it success of Kirikou and the Sorceress to his most recent feature, FIAF, Le Skyroom brings thousands of people to southeastern France to FIAF, Florence Gould Hall Dilili in Paris. Short films from his early career will be screened. discover the latest animated gems, current and future trends, Mature Audiences 75 min. In English. and to meet filmmakers and creators. Moderated by filmmaker 70 min. Digital. Video Game Panel Candy Kugel Straight from the 2018 edition, Animation First presents In French with English the best shorts from across the globe, selected by Annecy subtitles, or no dialogue. With the development of new technologies, video games Sat, Jan 26 at 5:30pm Festival curators. The opening sequence is created by have evolved into one of the most fascinating sectors of students of Gobelins, l’école de l’image in Paris. the entertainment industry, merging visual artistry, musical FIAF, Le Skyroom prowess, and captivating narratives. Ages 13–adult Bom Dia Rio Biciklisti (US Premiere) Dir. Simon Cadilhac, Victor Chagniot, Dir. Veljko Popović, 2018 Join Frédéric Chesnais, CEO of Atari, and Olivier Palmieri, 75 min. In English. Nathan Crabot, Dongsan Kim, Director of Atelier XR and Game Director at Ubisoft Montréal, Moderated by Jean-Michel Théo Tan Ngoc, 2018 Inanimate (US Premiere) as they discuss the history of video games, current trends, and Blottière, President of Game Dir. Lucia Bulgheroni, 2018 Weekends (NY Premiere) predictions for the industry. for Change Europe. Dir. Trevor Jimenez, 2017 Barbeque (NY Premiere) Dir. Jenny Jokela, 2017 Panelists will also address various steps in making a video Hybrids Dir. Florian Brauch, Matthieu Pujol, Afterwork (NY Premiere) game, and skills needed to work in the industry both currently Kim Tailhades, Yohan Thireau, Dir. Luis Usón and and in the future. Romain Thirion, 2017 Andrés Aguilar, 2017
Egg (NY Premiere) Bloeistraat (NY Premiere) Dir. Martina Scarpelli, 2018 Dir. Nienke Deutz, 2018
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Pinscreen Magic Shorts Followed by a Q&A Funan Post-screening Q&A with special guests with director Denis Do
The pinscreen instrument, highlighted throughout this year’s Sat, Jan 26 at 5:30pm Inspired by the life of his mother, Denis Do’s first feature film Funan NY Premiere Festival, produces beautiful and lyrical black and white short films. is a beautiful story of resilience in the face of unspeakable hardship. Sat, Jan 26 at 7:45pm FIAF, Florence Gould Hall This program showcases the first film made with the pinscreen Ages 12–adult Set in 1975 under Cambodia’s brutal Khmer Rouge regime, FIAF, Florence Gould Hall in 1933 by its creators, Alexeïeff and Parker; films from Canada Funan follows Chou, a young Cambodian mother searching for Ages 12–adult by Drouin and Lemieux; as well as the most recent pinscreen 70 min. Digital. her 4-year-old son who was taken away from her. Facing the film made in 2018 by Justine Vuylsteker. In French with English same fate as millions of Cambodians, Chou and her family live 84 min. Digital. subtitles, or no dialogue. through years of separation, starvation, and forced labor. Dir. Denis Do, 2018. This program is curated in collaboration with the CNC and ONF. In French with English Despite her circumstances, Chou finds the strength to survive subtitles. Post-screening Q&A: and remains determined to find her son. Chou’s harrowing path Une nuit sur le mont chauve Le Paysagiste Dir. Alexandre Alexeïeff, Dir. Jacques Drouin, 1976 Alexandre Rockwell, filmmaker is set amidst the sweeping beauty of Cambodia’s countryside, Claire Parker, 1933 (In the Soup) and grandson of lending a powerful backdrop to this wrenching ordeal. Une leçon de chasse Alexandre Alexeïeff; En passant Dir. Jacques Drouin, 2000 Michèle Lemieux, filmmaker The film is the winner of the Crystal Award, Annecy Internation- Dir. Alexandre Alexeïeff, 1943 Here and the Great Elsewhere (Here and the Great Elsewhere); al Animation Film Festival’s top prize, and the Grand Prize and Le Nez Dir. Michèle Lemieux, 2012 Jean-Baptiste Garnero & Audience Award at Los Angeles’s Animation is Film Festival. Dir. Alexandre Alexeïeff, Sophie Le Tétour, CNC– Claire Parker, 1963 Étreintes (NY Premiere) Dir. Justine Vuylsteker, 2018 Direction du patrimoine Tableaux d’une exposition cinématographique. Dir. Alexandre Alexeïeff, Claire Parker, 1972
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Late Night Chills Highlights from Bordeaux A Nuits Magiques Festival Selection Robinson & compagnie p.22 White Fang p.23 These spooky and enchanting French shorts were selected Sat, Jan 26 at 10:30pm by Les Nuits Magiques, an international animation festival The Legacy of Pinscreen Panel p.24 based in Bordeaux and one of the oldest of its kind. The FIAF, Florence Gould Hall Mastering Special Effects Panel p.24 shorts, many of which were produced in Bordeaux, represent Mature Audiences a collection of imaginative, surreal, and gripping works which The Swallows of Kabul: Work-in-Progress p.25 have expanded the science fiction and suspense genres in 70 min. Digital. Michel Ocelot Selected Shorts p.26 animation. In French with English subtitles, or no dialogue. Comedy Shorts p.27 César-Nominated Shorts Mon Homme (Poulpe) (US Premiere) Le jardin de minuit (US Premiere) p.28 Dir. Stéphanie Cadoret, 2016 Dir. Benoît Chieux, 2018
Peripheria (NY Premiere) The Bolt Connection (NY Premiere) Dir. David Coquard-Dassault, 2015 Dir. Claire Cartier, Mathilde Dourdy, Maurine Lecerf, Shih-Hui Fin de Loup (US Premiere) Pan, Nicolas Lebas, Thibault Dir. Stéphanie Cadoret, 2010 Grunenberger, 2018
Saison Mutante (US Premiere) Xian Dir. Jimmy Audoin, Delphine Dir. Roxane Campoy, Pauline Ledu, Chauvet, 2009 Myriam Belkheyar, Gwenaëlle Bavoux, 2017 A l’intérieur (US Premiere) Dir. Amélie Poirier, 2018
La nuit des sacs plastiques (US Premiere) Dir. Gabriel Harel, 2018
20 21 Robinson & compagnie Highlights from Bordeaux White Fang Highlights from Bordeaux Croc-Blanc
Jacques Colombat offers a poetic, whimsical, and original Sun, Jan 27 at 11am Based on the eponymous 1906 novel by Jack London, this Sun, Jan 27 at 12:45pm take on the Daniel Defoe classic, Robinson Crusoe. The film is elegantly animated adaptation follows White Fang, a young made with traditional 2D techniques and celluloid characters. FIAF, Florence Gould Hall wolf-dog pup, through a series of encounters with animals and FIAF, Florence Gould Hall Ages 6–adult humans in the Yukon Territory during the 1890s Gold Rush. Ages 10–adult To fulfill his dreams of traveling around the world, Robinson joins the crew of a majestic ship departing from London. 73 min. DCP. Restored. For his first feature film, Alexandre Espigares, who co-directed 85 min. DCP. When a storm causes the ship to capsize, Robinson is Dir. Jacques Colombat, 1991. the Oscar-winning short Mr. Hublot (2013), captures the essence Dir. Alexandre Espigares, suddenly the sole survivor on a deserted island with only a In French with English of London’s rugged tale but softens the edges for a younger 2018. tight-lipped dodo bird at his side. As Robinson settles into his subtitles. crowd. The detailed oil-painting-textured visual technique In English. new surroundings, he comes across a motley crew of pirates, makes for a strikingly beautiful and vivid retelling of White a tribe of cannibals, and other odd characters including his Fang’s story. eventual companion, Friday. The film’s extensive and expert use of motion capture for humans and dogs will be discussed in a panel on special effects Preceded by: 3 min. in the Skyroom on Sunday at 4:30pm (see page 24). Dir . Maïa Esquerre, 2018, Pantoufle Short from ECV Bordeaux, school of animation Preceded by: 2 min. Dir. Florent Tailhades Le chant des cigales & Gabriel Ramain, 2018 Short from ECV Bordeaux, school of animation
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Panels Work-in-Progress: The Legacy of the Pinscreen The Swallows of Kabul
Canadian filmmaker Michèle Lemieux and representatives Sun, Jan 27 at 12:30pm Co-directors Zabou Breitman and Eléa Gobbé-Mévellec present Sun, Jan 27 at 2:30pm from France’s national agency for cinema (CNC) join us for an an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the making of The in-depth conversation of the pinscreen instrument. Weaving FIAF, Le Skyroom Swallows of Kabul (Les Hirondelles de Kaboul). FIAF, Le Skyroom in film clips and photos, the discussion will guide the audience Ages 13–adult Ages 13–adult through the history of the pinscreen—from its creation in This film, to be released in 2019, is based on the bestselling the 1930s by artists Alexandre Alexeïeff and Claire Parker, to 75 min. In English. novel by Yasmina Khadra and produced by Les Armateurs 75 min. In English. filmmaking on the pinscreen in Canada since the mid-1970s, and With filmmaker Michèle (Persépolis, Kirikou and the Sorceress). With Zabou Breitman more recent efforts in Canada and France. Panelists will discuss Lemieux, and Jean- and Eléa Gobbé-Mévellec the restoration of the last original pinscreen made by its creators Baptiste Garnero and Using clips and film stills, Breitman and Gobbé-Mévellec will and training a new generation of filmmakers on the device. Sophie le Tétour (CNC– discuss various aspects of bringing this animated feature to Direction du Patrimoine life, including the genesis of the project, adapting the book in cinématographique). animation, their visual choices and graphic universe, as well as Mastering Special Effects: Motion working with living actors.
Capture and Virtual Reconstruction Highlights from Bordeaux
Emmanuel Linot, CEO of French-based virtual production studio Sun, Jan 27 at 4:30pm SolidAnim, and Jean-François Szlapka, its General Manager, will discuss two techniques they used to create visually stunning FIAF, Le Skyroom effects for the film White Fang and others. The first technique, Ages 13–adult motion capture, accurately depicts the movements of men and dogs in White Fang. The second, virtual reconstruction, transports 75 min. In English. audiences to meticulously detailed historical settings such as the With Emmanuel Linot Paris Universal Exhibition of 1889. and Jean-François Szlapka
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Michel Ocelot Selected Shorts Introduction Comedy Shorts by Michel Ocelot
Animation First’s Guest of Honor, Michel Ocelot, presents a Sun, Jan 27 at 3:30pm This program brings together a diverse selection of comedic Sun, Jan 27 at 5:30pm personally curated program of eclectic shorts for the Festival. shorts featuring witty, burlesque, absurd, and darkly These films inspired him as a filmmaker. Selections include FIAF, Florence Gould Hall humorous works. Films include shorts from Nicolas Deveaux’s FIAF, Florence Gould Hall Jean-François Laguionie’s César-award-winning Rowing Across Ages 12–adult new TV series Athleticus about the summer Olympic games. Mature Audiences the Atlantic (1978), as well as puppet master Jiří Trnka’s The Hand (1965). 75 min. Digital. 65 min. Digital. In French with English In French with English subtitles, or no dialogue. Oktapodi La Mort, Père et Fils subtitles, or no dialogue. Dir. Julien Bocabeille, François- Dir. Denis Walgenwitz, Vincent Haut Pays des neiges Dir. Bernard Palacios, 1989 Xavier Chanioux, Olivier Delabarre, Paronnaud, 2017 Thierry Marchand, Quentin Rowing Across the Atlantic Marmier, Emud Mokhberi, 2007 Athleticus Dir. Jean-François Laguionie, 1978 Dir. Nicolas Devaux, 2017 Los Días de los muertos Une bombe par hasard Dir. Pauline Pinson, 2017 Wild Love Dir. Jean-François Laguionie, 1969 Dir. Paul Autric, Quentin Camus, Voyagers Maryka Laudet, Léa Georges, The Hand (Ruka) Dir. MoPa, 2017 Zoé Sottiaux, Corentin Yvergniaux, Dir. Jiří Trnka, 1965 2018 Hors Piste Sientje Dir. Léo Brunel, Loris Cavalier, The Crab Revolution Dir. Christa Moesker, 1997 Camille Jalabert, Oscar Malet, 2018 Dir. Arthur de Pins, 2004
Le Petit Soldat Dir. Paul Grimault, 1948
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All Weekend Exhibitions · Video Games · Workshops
César-Nominated Shorts Festival Closing Night Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality p.30 Video Games p.31 Pinscreen Workshops p.32 This special closing-night program celebrates some of the best Sun, Jan 27 at 7:45pm animated short films from the past year. FIAF, Florence Gould Hall On January 23, the nominees for the 2019 César Awards, France’s Mature Audiences equivalent to the Oscars, were announced. ~70 min. Digital. Animation First will screen all four finalists in the Best Animated In French with English Short category, alongside shortlisted films. This is a rare opportuni- subtitles, or no dialogue. ty for New Yorkers to see these acclaimed works on the big screen.
Vote For Your Favorite!
Animation First audience members will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite short. Those who select the official winner announced at the 42nd César Awards on February 22, 2019, will be eligible for a prize.
28 29 Exhibitions Video Games Highlights from Bordeaux Augmented Reality
This exhibition presents the work that Angoulême-based Sat, Jan 26–Sun, Jan 27 A selection of video games and demos from Bordeaux-based Sat, Jan 26–Sun, Jan 27 students created during their final year at EMCA, one of the top 11am–6pm studios and Ubisoft in Montreal will be available for free to the 11am–6pm animation schools in France. general public in the FIAF Gallery throughout the weekend. FIAF, Tinker Auditorium FIAF Gallery Each one of the 20 prints that will be on display contains a Follow the adventures of two siblings in 14th century Aquitaine hidden animation. With the help of a specially developed Viewing instructions in A Plague Tale-Innocence. Go on a quest through the fantasy FREE augmented reality app, beautiful and surprising animations provided. medieval world of Seers Isle, then head to futuristic Paris, will reveal themselves from within the artwork. abandoned by its inhabitants, in the VR game Eagle Flight. Presented with Magelis. Explore Ancient Egypt with the Discovery Tour version of Related Event Ubisoft’s bestselling game Assassin’s Creed: Origins. Children Video Game Panel Virtual Reality FREE can relive their favorite moments from Pixar’s beloved film with Special Guests Ratatouille, and enjoy the critically acclaimed Rayman Legends. from Atari and Ubisoft A half-dozen virtual reality experiences will be available to the general public in the FIAF Gallery. Visitors will be transported Sat, Jan 26–Sun, Jan 27 A Plague Tale: Innocence, Asobo Studio, PG-18 Sat, Jan 26 at 5:30pm to digital worlds imagining the past and future. 11am–6pm Ratatouille, Asobo Studio, E–Everyone Details on page 16 Seers Isle, Nova-box, T–Teen Featuring FIAF Gallery Assassin’s Creed: Origins – Discovery Tour, Ubisoft, T–Teen Cités Millénaires (US Premiere), Institut du Monde Arabe Ages 13–adult Eagle Flight, Ubisoft, Age 13+ & UNESCO / Ubisoft, 2018 Rayman Legends, Ubisoft, E–Everyone 10+ A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, ARTE/IKO, 2018 FREE The Wedding of Cana, Les Poissons Volants, 2017 I saw the future, Da Prod, 2017 Port de la Lune, UMANIMATION, 2018 Jurassic, Nayade, 2018
30 31 32 Ticket & Venue Info
Festival Passes
Full Festival Pass Opening Night Pass Five-Film Pass This pass entitles one person This pass entitles one person This pass entitles one person entry to all events over the entry to the Opening Night entry to any five films of 3-day festival weekend. films and party. their choice over Saturday and Sunday. General: $120 General: $40 FIAF Members: $100 FIAF Members: $20 General: $50 Students with ID: $80
Individual Tickets
Feature Films & Shorts Opening Night Films Discussions, Exhibitions,
Video games, and Adults: $16 Adults: $25 Workshops Kids < 14: $10 Kids < 14: $15
Students with ID: $10 Students with ID: $15 Free and open to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis.
Venue Info Will Call Day of Event Pinscreen Workshops Discover the Pinscreen Instrument Florence Gould Hall Pick up or purchase tickets & Tinker Auditorium for events in Florence Gould (Level A) Hall at the Box Office. Animation enthusiast Alexandre Noyer created his own version Sat, Jan 26 55 East 59th Street, NYC (55 East 59th Street) of a pinscreen instrument, a device developed in the 1930s 11am–12:30pm, 4–6pm by artists Alexandre Alexeïeff and Claire Parker. The pinscreen Le Skyroom Pick up or purchase tickets uses pins to create finely textured images that can be captured Sun, Jan 27 (8th Floor) for Skyroom events in the through stop-motion animation. Throughout the Festival, 11am–1pm, 2–3:30pm, & FIAF Gallery FIAF Lobby. audiences will be able to try their hands at Noyer’s machine. 4–6:30pm (1st Floor) (22 East 60th Street) Children and adults will discover the magic of creating their 22 East 60th Street, NYC own images through shadows and light and animating them FIAF, Tinker Auditorium through stop motion. An assortment of tools will be available Suggested for ages 7+
to create effects. Ticket Info Festival Box Office Hours Workshop entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Buy Tickets Online Fri, Jan 25: 12pm–10pm
Make a Pinscreen Short fiaf.org/animation Sat, Jan 26: 10am–11pm
Sun, Jan 27: 10am–8:30pm
Alexandre Noyer will lead eight participants in the creation of a Sat, Jan 26 Buy Tickets by Phone collective short film using a pinscreen. The workshop will start 1pm–3:30pm 1 800 982 2787 by familiarizing participants with the device. Each participant will then have the opportunity to create a segment of a cadavre FIAF, Tinker Auditorium Box Office Location exquis or exquisite corpse. An assortment of tools will be Suggested for ages 12+ 55 East 59th Street, NYC available to create imagery, which will then be animated using stop-motion software. Workshop entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
32 33 8Biographies Festival Guests
to Bordeaux. He founded and support to return the last pinscreen, Lemieux’s art has been displayed in the 1930s by the filmmakers now runs UMANIMATION as Chief made by Alexandre Alexeïeff in New York, Tokyo, Czechoslovakia, Alexandre Alexeïeff and Claire Parker. Content Officer (umanimation. and Claire Parker, to production Germany, France, Italy, and Canada. However, the tool had become so rare com), an XR company developing so that it can be used to once Her books have been published in (in 2015 there were only two in the a catalogue of narrative and again make films in France. many languages such as French, world) that Noyer decided to reinvent immersive content designed for English, and German. Her canvases, pinscreens by leaning on modern new media (TV, VR, AR, MR). both diaphanous and bright, evoke technologies. a timeless, even mystical world, Since 2016, he has been selling and which seems to attract the viewer renting pinscreens, while also leading to the heart of the narrative. conferences and workshops all over the world in order to help bring this intricate technique back to life.
Zabou Breitman Zabou Breitman is an award-winning Fabien Robert film, television, and theater actress. Born and raised in the Aquitaine Since the early 80s, she has been in Eléa Gobbé-Mévellec region, Fabien Robert attended more than 70 films including Diane Eléa Gobbé-Mévellec studied college in Bordeaux, majoring in Kurys’s La Baule-les-Pins (1990), Coline animation at Les Gobelins, École political science. Attracted by the Serreau’s La Crise (1992), Pierre de l’image in Paris for three years, Emmanuel Linot desire of serving his community, he Jolivet’s Ma petite entreprise (1999), Denis Do where she completed two short Chief Operating Officer at SolidAnim, began his political career by joining and Alexandre Arcady’s 24 Heures Denis Do is a film director and films: Madame (2005), a musical Emmanuel Linot has more than one of France’s centrist parties. (2014). In 2006, she made her graduate of Les Gobelins, l’école short about children, screened in fifteen years of experience in motion There, he found a like-minded directorial debut with Se souvenir de l’image. He has been passionate several animation festivals; and capture and 3D animation with group of individuals who promoted des belles choses, and has since made about the creative process, pictures, Traintamarre (2006), which was companies such as ExMachina, their values of humanism and two other feature films. She recently and drawing since his childhood. made with three other students Quantic Dream, and Herold & Family. Emmanuel Quillet generosity through actions. While directed and starred in the TV series Funan, his first feature film, which and screened at the Annecy He founded his own studio in 2007 Emmanuel Quillet is associate still a student, Robert was elected Paris etc. The Swallows of Kabul is won the Crystal Award in 2019 for International Animation Film Festival. with Isaac Partouche and Jean- producer at Marmitafilms, a French Vice President of the CROUS, an her first foray into animation. Best Feature Film at the Annecy From 2006 to 2008, she made François Szlapka, collaborating on production and distribution organization that advocates for film festival, is inspired by his Escale for Nostromo Production and video game projects and feature films company located in Bordeaux. students, where he engaged with mother’s true story that he adapted directed TV spots for the company. such as The Crew, Cafard, and most He manages the animation issues surrounding employment, into a strong and intimate film. She was a character animator on the recently White Fang. department, which is devoted startups, and other initiatives. Upon feature films Le chat du rabbin (2009) In 2010, the founders launched to producing series, shorts, and graduation, he began to work with and Le jour des corneilles (2010). She SolidTrack, an innovative system features in an artistic laboratory Alain Juppé, Mayor of Bordeaux, also worked on the widely popular that renders special effects in real that fosters the creation of unusual and is currently Deputy Mayor in French series Lastman. She is currently time which was used in major visual worlds (marmitafilms.fr). charge of Culture and Heritage. working on The Swallows of Kabul, American productions such as now in post-production, which she is The Walk, A Monster Calls, Alice in co-directing with Zabou Breitman. Wonderland, and Rogue One.
Aymeric Castaing With more than fifteen years of Sophie Le Tétour experience in entertainment, Aymeric & Jean-Baptiste Garnero Castaing has worked as a music For the past fifteen years, Sophie Le producer, music publisher, and Tétour and Jean-Baptiste Garnero animation producer (co-founder and have collected and presented CEO for 10 years of the kids animation collections entrusted or belonging Michèle Lemieux Jean-François Szlapka Fred Chesnais production company I Can Fly). to the CNC (French National Center Michèle Lemieux is an illustrator, Alexandre Noyer General Manager of SolidAnim since Frédéric Chesnais is the Chief Always interested in new for Cinema). They have overseen author, filmmaker, and internationally Alexandre Noyer is an electronic its creation in 2007, Jean-François Executive Officer and Chairman of ways of telling stories, Castaing several projects designed to reassert renowned artist. Lemieux has devoted engineer and computer scientist Szlapka has had experience in motion the Board of Atari. Under Chesnais’s specializes in transmedia content the value of France’s film heritage in herself to the pinscreen technique by profession, but he devotes a capture since 2001 and has worked leadership, Atari continues to and shares his expertise and passion France and abroad through cultural and remains one of the leading large part of his time to his passion: on various projects in the video publish interactive games and through diverse mediums. initiatives and organizations such as experts behind the mechanism of traditional animation. Born and game, film, and television industries. expand the Atari brand into various Castaing is the founder and festivals, cinematheques, museums, the last working pinscreen in the currently living in Annecy, France, He also specializes in character business sectors such as casinos, president of transmedia cluster professional schools, and UNESCO. world. Her award-winning short he never misses the Annecy animation by combining motion entertainment, and decentralized Cats (le-cats.fr), a founding They are currently working film, Here and the Great Elsewhere, International Animated Film Festival. capture and keyframe. He is currently platforms. Mr. Chesnais is based in member of the French national to promote the Alexeïeff-Parker shows the vast chimerical quality As an autodidact experimenting with responsible for creating technical New York City. transmedia association PXN (pxn. collection (films, exhibitions, and of the pinscreen and her affinity for various animation techniques, Noyer workflows in virtual production fr), and brought Cartoon Movie conferences) and are providing experimenting with mediums. discovered the pinscreen, created projects at SolidAnim.
34 35 Festival Schedule Sponsors and Thanks 37
Festival Presenting Sponsor Time Friday, January 25 Venue Type pg.
7 – 8:30pm Kirikou and the Sorceress Florence Gould Hall 8
8:30 – 9:45pm Opening Night Party Tinker Auditorium 8-9
9:30 – 10:45pm Erotic Shorts Florence Gould Hall 9 Lead Sponsors
Time Saturday, January 26 Venue Type pg.
11am – 12pm Ivan Tsarevitch Florence Gould Hall 12
12 – 1:30pm Documentary Shorts Le Skyroom 13 Supporting Sponsors 12:45 – 2:45pm Only Yesterday Florence Gould Hall 15
3–4:30pm Conversation with Michel Ocelot Le Skyroom 16
3:30 – 5:15pm Best of Annecy Shorts Florence Gould Hall 17
5:30 – 7:30pm Pinscreen Magic Shorts (Q&A) Florence Gould Hall 18
5:30 – 7pm Video Game Panel Le Skyroom 16
7:45 – 9:45pm Funan (Q&A) Florence Gould Hall 19
10:30 – 11:45pm Late Night Chills Florence Gould Hall 20
Animation First is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Time Sunday, January 27 Venue Type pg. Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
11am – 12:15pm Robinson & compagnie Florence Gould Hall 22 Special Thanks to the City of Bordeaux
12:45 – 2:45pm White Fang Florence Gould Hall 23 Alain Juppé Mayor of Bordeaux, Fabien Robert Deputy Mayor of Bordeaux in charge of Culture, Claire Andries-Roussennac Director of Cultural Affairs City of Bordeaux, Lilian Saly Deputy Director of Cultural 12:30 – 1:45pm The Legacy of the Pinscreen Panel Le Skyroom 24 Affairs City of Bordeaux, Ludovic Martinez Chief of Staff of the Mayor of Bordeaux.
2:30 – 3:45pm WIP: The Swallows of Kabul Le Skyroom 25 Special Thanks 3:30 – 4:45pm Michel Ocelot Selected Shorts Florence Gould Hall 26
Mikhal Bak, David Beauvallet, Aurelie Luce Grosjean, Yvonne Grzenkowic, Moesker, Vianney Monge, Adeline 4:30 – 5:45pm Mastering Special Effects Panel Le Skyroom 24 Belzanne, Eric Di Bernardo, Emilie Nina Guralnick, Francois Heiser, Diane Monzier, Ilan Nguyen, Shannon Olivas, Bessard, Francois Bonneau, Clément Hétu, Dominique Hoff, Christine Houard, Peter Patchen, Salvatore Petrosino, 5:30 –6:45pm Comedy Shorts Florence Gould Hall 27 Calvet, Valérie Caron, Fabrice Carre, Yann Chance Huskey, Christophe Jankovic, Astrid Pivot, Geoffroy Vincens Jérôme Chopinet, Jean-Paul Commin, Frédéric Marcel Jean, Stéphane Kahn, Xavier Ponset, Anne-Françoise Reynders, 7:45 –9pm César-Nominated Shorts Florence Gould Hall 28 Cros, Fabrice de la Rosa, Anta Diallo, Kawa-Topor, Irena Kovarova, Marleen Melanie de Riberolles, Mathieu Serge Elissalde, Audrey Evrard, Lionel Labijt, Laetitia De Langlade, Elisabeth Roussennac, Ivan Rouveure, Annabel Fages, Jeremie Fajner, Katerina Fojtova, Lasbugues, Linda Lauro-Lazin, Claudine Sebag, Francois Serre, Alan Smithee, Time All Weekend Venue Type pg. Mathieu Fournet, Marine François, Jean Long, Thierry Lounas, Anne-Catherine Diarah Spech, Louise de Stael, Philippe Raymond Garcia, Amélie Garin-Davet, Louvet, Adrien Maigne, Mickael Marin, Sylvi, Christophe Vialle, Patrick Viegas, 11am – 6pm Augmented / Virtual Reality Gallery 30 Brian Geldin, Guillaume Gemot, Christine Fabrice Marquat, Jim Martín, Nancy Emilie Voisin, Mathilde Walas, Léa Gendre, Isabelle Giordano, Julia Grenier, De Meritens, Laurent Million, Christina Welcman, & Jade Wiseman 11am – 6pm Video Games Gallery 31
Thanks to the FIAF Staff 11am-6:30pm Pinscreen Workshops Tinker Auditorium 32
Amanda Angel, Catherine Baumann, Paul Bourgeois, Steve Li, Jennifer Malbuisson, Léa Marot, Chloé Color Index Feature Film VR, AR, Workshops Theresa Cheng, Eva Chien, Sylvia de la Baume, Guillaume Mossessian, Kate Noonan, Jeremie Patrier, Maia Shorts, Shorts, Shorts! For Kids Too! Boure, Alexandre Edenne, Medge Farreaux, Courtney Plantevin, Matthew Reichard, Elisabeth Skjaervold, Discussions Geraghty, Dafna Gottesman, Clémentine Guinchat, Pia-Camilla Testa, Marc Versailles & Raul Zbengheci Work-In-Progress Aditi Jhaveri, Justin Jones, Elie Khoury, Dana Kurylyk, 36