Hi to all!
Today started off with the second meeting between the jury members, to discuss the program so far. We have managed to narrow down the films shown so far to a couple we think are in the race for the grand prix and the various diplomas. I am happy to report no large quarrels or arguments between us in the process. I hope the upcoming days will prove to be as good.
Since five international competition programs had to be shown in a four day span we had quite a long day with two programs shown back to back from 6-10 in the evening. In those hours we saw allot, producing more interesting shorts then the days before. To keep the list short i will mention the interesting animated film with a comic book feel, that we came to expect and love from the french-FARD.
The film managed to show us how rotoscope does not have to be the ugly sister of animation and can be utilised as a weapon rather then a crutch.
Our Slovenian neighbours produced a short animated film with an interesting render and animation, reproducing in 3d brilliantly the traditional puppet animated visual and style. The film is “Chicory n coffie”
To say a few words and put the festival in its context. Belgrade is a beautiful place to visit and will keep you with your eyes opened if you can navigate the irregular and frustrating buses or opt for a taxi which is not expensive if you can split it with fellow travelers. The Serbian people so far have been open hearted and great hosts. Although it is not a town made to the measure of a vegetarian, this and perhaps other short comings have been amply compensated by the hospitality and good heartedness of our hosts and friends we got here in Belgrade.
We had the opportunity to see the exhibition of the film stills and concept art for the most expensive feature animated film made in Serbia. The film is called “Edit and I” The stills looked brilliant, and showed a lot of promise, but i am always a sceptic with film made in this region, because as big as the budget might be (and i dont know), i guess it was not enough forcing the author to condens the natural 4 year production time into a two year marathon. I cant help but think how did this effect the final quality? Well, hope i will be shown wrong when i get the chance to see the film, which should be any time now, cos the film is finished and is in theaters in the region