BAM’s Signature Style: Queer Animation Cinema Celebration
– BAM (Bristol Animation Meetup), a collaborative initiative by Skwigly Online Animation Magazine, Rumpus Animation and Sun & Moon Studios, has formed a partnership with Bristol’s Encounters Film Festival and Cube Microplex.
– On July 8th, they are set to present “INBETWEENS”, a unique event with an exclusive focus on queer animation cinema.
– The event has been curated by the local animator Luzie Ilgner and includes a collective of playful, heartfelt screenings.
– The upcoming event also provides a unique platform for Filmmakers like Steven Fraser, enabling their work to be showcased on bigger public platforms.
Steven Fraser in the Limelight at INBETWEENS
My Snappy Synopsis
We’re back at it again, animation enthusiasts! This time, Bristol Animation Meetup (BAM for short, because who doesn’t love a good acronym?) has staged the ultimate meet-cute with the Bristol Encounters Film Festival and Cube Microplex. They are rolling out the rainbow carpet on July 8th for “INBETWEENS”, a loving toast to queer animation cinema.
All praise to Luzie Ilgner, the mastermind curator and local animator, who has artfully assembled an ensemble of animations that are sure to tickle your heart and possibly your funny bone. But hold onto your 3D glasses, folks! Steven Fraser, the famous filmmaker is part of the party too! No we’re not kidding and yes, your life just became a Pixar movie.
In a world where gorillas can play the drums and houses can fly with just a few balloons, BAM is once again pushing boundaries and fully embracing diversity. Viva la animation revolution! Can’t wait to see what animated powerhouse Fraser and the rest of the talented crew brings to the table. Stay tuned, folks – the magic of animation knows no bounds!
Bristol Animation Get-together (BAG), an effort by Skwigly Online Animation Magazine, Rumpus Animation and Sun & Moon Studios, teamed up with Bristol’s Encounters Film Festival and Cube Microplex on July 8th to offer INBETWEENS, a unique celebration of queer animation cinema.
Handpicked by local animator Luzie Ilgner, the event showcases a thought-provoking, heartfelt, and riveting mixture of animations highlighting LGBTQIA+ subjects, crafted by queer artists.
We had the opportunity to connect with one of the highlighted filmmakers, Steven Fraser – a distinguished animator and creative with a focus on queer issues, mental health, and neurodiversity in his work. His film Coming out Autistic (2022) will be featured in the INBETWEENS lineup.
Coming Out Autistic (Dir. Steven Fraser)
How did your animation voyage start and have you always wished to be an animator?
Perhaps! I was perpetually sketching during my childhood and found it fascinating. I studied Computer Arts in Dundee, a course with a major focus on video games. Though I used to do more CG-focused work during university, I continued drawing even in my leisure time. I wished to work with hand-drawn or puppetry rather than using a computer when I began creating films because I didn’t want to spend the entire day in front of a computer.
Does the medium you opt to work in drive the story idea you choose, or is it vice versa?
It’s a mix of both, I believe. A majority of my short films are highly driven by emotion and sentiments. These aspects are internal and invisible, and I intend to externalize them. Hence, I prefer mediums that can be physically touched and held, as they make them feel a bit more tangible.
Do your artwork largely focus on personal experiences and subjects?
Absolutely! For Coming Out Autistic, I interacted with individuals who identify as LGBT+ and are also on the autism spectrum. Like them, I identify as bisexual and I’m autistic. I noticed a connection there. I knew many people who were queer and also neurodiverse in some way.
Coming Out Autistic (Dir. Steven Fraser)
What motivates you to make these themes the spotlight of your art?
Several reasons, indeed. I’ve seen various films about sexuality and neurodiversity, however, they were produced by people uninvolved with those communities. I felt that such creators were attempting to find a route into the narrative. But as a part of the community, I believe the communities themselves can speak.
Let us delve deeper into Coming Out Autistic. Could you give some circumstances under which you created the film?
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/inbetweens-steven-fraser/