ANNENCY 2024: Commissioned Films Take Center Stage
Summary:
– The Commissioned Films category at animation festivals provides a platform for diverse visual styles and animation techniques.
– The category includes a wide range of subjects including music videos, commercials, charity films and much more.
– This year, 37 films were selected for the competition, maintaining the annually designated number.
– The article highlights five key films from this year’s festival.
The Scoop:
1. The Commissioned Films segment exhibits an array of professional visual creativity and techniques.
2. Animation festivals springboard many innovative narratives through music videos, festival idents, commercials, and charity films among others.
3. 37 seems to be the magic number yet again, as it holds the number of films chosen for competition this year.
4. The article didn’t shy away from spotlighting five shining stars embedded within these 37 films.
Hot Take:
So, in the globally acclaimed talent show masquerading as Annecy 2024, it seems like 3D animation buffs are partying like it’s 37- because that’s the number of films selected, again! What’s more, some real-time animation heroes have taken a break from saving virtual worlds to feature in their own epic productions, encompassing everything from toe-tapping music videos to the next ‘Madison Avenue approved’ commercials. Stay tuned – we’re about to dish the deliciously creative lowdown on the top five films making the rounds this year. But remember: even though these films have been ‘commissioned’, the sheriffs of creativity town were clearly not stingy with the dose of wild imagination!
Experience a diverse array of visual styles, animation techniques, and topics in the Commissioned Films category at film festivals; from music videos to commercials and charity films, this category is a visual treat.
Imagine our delight when 37 films were chosen for the competition this year, including 6 made in the UK. The coveted Cristal for Commissioned Film was snagged by Will Anderson for his work on Pictoplasma “Opener 2023”. See all winners here.
Adding fuel to the film festival fire, Annecy announced the inclusion of films made by generative AI this year. The decision certainly raised some eyebrows, resulting in the music video Chien Méchant “Étoile filante” being booed at its inaugural Commissioned Films screening.
Pictoplasma Opener 2023’ (Will Anderson) Cristol winner (left) versus the AI entry ‘Chien Méchant Étoile filant’ (Kelzang Ravach) (right)
Despite this controversy, we’ve curated five standout pieces from this year’s selection for your viewing pleasure.
Shifting Perspectives: Alzheimer’s Research UK’s “Change the Ending”
Director: againstallodds
Production House: Passion Pictures (United Kingdom)
This emotional film catapults Alzheimer’s Research UK’s vital mission and implores audiences to back their research. With its classic fairy tale-like opening, make sure to stick around till the end because it delivers a powerful punch.
Dancing with Life: Chinese Man feat. Stogie T, KT Gorique & FP’s “Too Late”
Director: Victor Haegelin
Producer: Wizz (France)
While the music is often the star of a music video, the story told through animation caught our attention here. Full of background details and cultural references, this stop-motion film deserves more than one watch. Its colorful, poetic world metaphorically represents life’s ups and downs.
Saving Mother Earth: “We Campaign Because They Can’t”
Director: Dane Winn
Production House: Blue Zoo (United Kingdom)
This series of micro-shorts designed for social media profiles different animals championing the conservation of their habitats for RSPB. It humorously depicts the challenges they face, without dampening the gravity of the message.
A Historical Glimpse: TED-Ed’s “How Did South African Apartheid Happen, and How Did It Finally End?”
Director: Aya Marzouk
Production House: TED-ED (USA, South Africa, Egypt)
Per usual, TED-Ed delivers powerful content. This time is the remarkable visual retelling of a complex historical event: South African apartheid. In just 7 minutes, the film gives an overview of this tumultuous period effectively.
Victorious Spirits: World Economic Forum’s “Dance to Live”
Director: World Economic Forum Creative Team
Producer: Smog, World Economic Forum, (Switzerland)
Visually dynamic, this film blends motion graphics, character animation, and live-action sequences. Narrated by the central figure, Ahmad Joudeh, a once stateless refugee, illustrates the transformative power of dance. The World Economic Forum commissioned it for World Refugee Day.
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/annecy-2024-five-commissioned-films-highlights/