001. Hollywood’s Sugar Glass Ceiling
The 97th Academy Awards have bestowed their golden statuettes upon two animated films, one long, one (not so) short, and both from unexpected corners of the globe. Latvia’s Flow and Iran’s In the Shadow of the Cypress have danced past the Hollywood heavyweights, proving that when it comes to storytelling, size doesn’t always matter. Something we’ve been banging on about for years…
“Flow”: Riding the Waves of Innovation
Image copyright Dream Well Studio, Sacrebleu Productions, Take Five
“Flow,” directed by Latvian Gints Zilbalodis, is a wordless meditation that has floated into the hearts of audiences worldwide. This dialogue-free odyssey follows a black cat and their motley crew of animal companions as they navigate a world submerged by a catastrophic flood. Crafted using Blender, which is a free open-source 3D animation solution, “Flow” is a testament to how creativity can flourish without the need for a Hollywood-sized budget. It’s reported as costing under £3m to make, with a crew of less than 50 people, but what we love most is that it started life from the mind and hands of one guy, Gints, working away at his laptop ONLY 5 years ago. If “Flow” were a business, the rates of return for its investors would be handsome indeed. If that’s not inspiration enough to get that long-dreamt of story out onto paper, we don’t know what is!
The film’s minimalist approach belies the complexity of its 3D simulations. But the audible and environmental ‘space’ allows viewers to drift into a universal narrative, unanchored by language barriers. At first look the visual style has a cutscene aesthetic, similar to in-game standalone sequences on a Playstation, and that might perhaps put cinema-going Joe Public off giving “Flow” a chance… But as the narrative reveals itself, and strikingly beautiful scenography washes over you, the economic render-style doesn’t seem to matter anymore - a reassurance that story wins out, especially when supported by beautiful atmospherics!
The success of “Flow” at the Oscars not only marks Latvia’s first win but also highlights the shifting tides in the animation industry, where independent films are making significant splashes.
“In the Shadow of the Cypress”: Illuminating the Human Condition
Image copyright Barfak Studio
From Iran comes “In the Shadow of the Cypress”, a poignant 2D animated short directed by husband-and-wife duo Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi. Oscar-winning animated shorts do tend to be long for a short film*, and this beguiling 20-minute film is longer than most. It delves into the life of a former captain grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder, exploring the intricate dance between a father and his daughter as they confront their shared past. With a minimalist design and no dialogue (surely this is a trend?) the film has a poetic darkness rather than a visual one, and it harks back to the world’s rich animation history - its a film that could have been made anytime in the last 20-years.
The film’s victory at the Oscars shines a light on Iranian storytelling and underscores the power of animation to convey profound human experiences. It’s a reminder that even the shortest of films can cast the longest of shadows, touching audiences with their depth and compassion.
*The shortest Oscar winner is Pixar’s “For The Birds”, at a paltry 3-minutes!
Breaking Through the Celluloid Ceiling
The triumphs of “Flow” and “In the Shadow of the Cypress” are more than just individual accolades; they represent a shift in the cinematic landscape. These wins challenge the traditional narrative that big budgets and major studios are prerequisites for Oscar glory. Instead, they highlight how passion, innovation, and authentic storytelling can propel independent productions to the highest courts in the land.
Historically, the animation category has been dominated by industry giants with deep pockets and expansive resources. However, the success of these independent films demonstrates that the glass ceiling of Hollywood is not shatterproof. With determination and creativity, smaller studios can break through, offering fresh perspectives that enrich the global cinematic dialogue.
A New Dawn for Independent Animation?
Today’s Oscars news serves as a beacon for aspiring filmmakers worldwide. They illuminate a path where storytelling prowess and innovative techniques can lead to international recognition, regardless of a film’s budget or country of origin.
These wins also encourage audiences to broaden their horizons, inviting them to explore narratives beyond the mainstream. As viewers become more receptive to diverse stories, the demand for unique and authentic content will continue to rise, fostering an environment where independent films can thrive.
At least, that's our hope.
The 97th Academy Awards have not only celebrated the artistic achievements of “Flow” and “In the Shadow of the Cypress” but have also heralded a new era in animation. An era where the size of the production matters less than the size of the heart behind it, and where independent filmmakers can ride the waves of their creativity to shores previously dominated by industry titans.
There’s something liberating and exciting about that, for all of us invested in the animation industry. Let’s keep telling stories, and making art that moves!