(6.29) Sample some of the world’s best animated shorts, culled from hundreds of submissions from women around the globe — Womanimation! takes over AS220 this Saturday. This showcase features a program of twelve short films from eleven countries. Toni Pennacchia, Creative Director of MergingArts Productions is excited about innovations in the genre:
. . . blending techniques is increasingly common. It’s not just 2D or 3D or stop-motion for a film, it might be elements of all three to create a unique look. That said, we have some great stop-motion in particular this year, in materials from soft clay to plasticine to yarn.
Some entries in this international festival include:
The Russian stop-motion film Three Sisters is based on a legend from Montenegro about seaside-dwelling siblings in love with the same man, an often-absent sailor. Another nautically-themed film, the gorgeous Flowing Through Wonder, from France, details an unusual funeral ceremony which is both dangerous and uplifting. The computer-animated Girasol draws inspiration from indigenous Venezuela, mixing Mapuche myth with Wayuú esthetic to create a story of a beautiful girl in love with the Sun God, yet pursued by mortal suitors.
Each screening begins with a slideshow with music introducing the filmmakers. Before and after screenings, DJ Madame B will weave soundscapes created by women across the globe. Audiences vote for their favorite festival films, and festival organizers will be on hand throughout the screenings.
$10, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, Saturday, June 29, AS220, 115 Empire Street, (directions)