ARTS THREAD takes a look at student and graduate animation films on show tonight as part of Rushes Soho Short Film Festival at London’s ICA.
The festival includes all genres of short film – live action drama, documentary, animation, music video and also experimental work such as online or mobile content, title sequences and idents. Here we look at animation.
Roni is direcetd by Andrea Schneider and produced by Gerd Gockell through HSLU Art & Design, Lucerne. ‘Roni lives in the big city and feels right at home in his designer working life and skinny jeans. But as we find out, he still carries around some burdens from his past. In a documentary style, the film lovingly parodies Roni’s quest for trendiness and social integration.’
University of Glamorgan produced, Botanical Nightmare is directed and produced by Tom Lucas. ‘A civilian science vessel discovers an organic life form on an uncharted planet and decides to investigate the mysterious creature. Excited by the discovery, the team fails to realise the deadly potential of such a creature.’
This is not Real, is produced by The Royal College of Art and directed by graduate Gergely Wootsch. ‘Charley is an 11 year old boy who seeks refuge in an imaginary world from the digital monotony of his environment and desires to venture to the Himalayas. His semi-conscious journey takes a twist when he is unexpectedly confronted and this leads him to an all-defining conclusion. This is Not Real is a computer animated short film that pivots around the questions of aspiration, creativity and a counteracting environment.’
The Golden Bird directed by Cat Bruce and produced by Donald Holwill through Edinburgh College of Art. ‘When a boy goes in pursuit of a mysterious golden bird, he is lead further than he expects and soon finds out that in his world things are not what they seem.’
Directed by Francesca Adams and produced by Rob Watson via National Film and Television School. ‘Bertie Crisp, a half bear, half panda lives in a caravan park with his sociopathic bunny rabbit wife, Grace. She is determined to have a baby – the problem is she wants one immediately, and with Bertie struggling with the… traditional method, they turn to plan B- Kidnap!’
Directed and produced by Dan Ojari through The Royal College of Art, Slow Derek is the ‘epic and spellbinding tale of Derek, an office worker, as he struggles with the true speed of planet earth. ‘Slow Derek’ has already appeared as part of the Official Selection at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, and won the top award at the Encounters Short Film Festival in November 2011.’
For more information on Rushes Soho Short Film Festival 2012.
