Another trip to Manchester Animation Festival, to help me broaden my wise animation knowledge. My regret is that I didn't take the opportunity to speak to more industry professionals (my fault), BUT I got to see a lot of sick films.
Some of my highlights included:
The Breadwinner, a very moving film and well paced film that cemented my enjoyment of hand drawn full length features. I wish that more full length films were hand drawn, but I'm starting to think that the whole art form lends itself more to mixed media or to short films due to its time consuming nature.
Cops and Robbers, which was sick because it incorporated a moving camera in a 2D short film. One thing I wish 2D animation could do more is a moving camera, because it looks awesome. It's something I'd love to do in my own work.
Goodnight, Everybuds was great because I enjoyed the liquid-y transforming, dreamlike way it was animated. It was bursting with energy and embraced the fact that animation doesn't have to be constrained by any rules.
Alternatively, Grandpa Walrus was realistic (in parts), measured and subtle. Everything from the sound to the background art of the windy beach to the nuanced facial expressions on the characters set the scene perfectly.
