Article written by Timothy Rauch.
Wednesday was the first of two screenings for the entries in the Independent category to this year’s ASIFA-East Festival. What a night it was!
Speaking strictly of my own opinion, the results were all over the board. There were films from established artists and unknowns, stop-mo films, hand-drawn films and everything-but-the-kitchen sink films, narrative films, abstract films, films that pushed all the right buttons, films that pushed no buttons and some unforgettable films that pushed buttons I can only assume they were not aiming for. The decision to divide the screenings into two evenings was probably a good one as the jurying became less of a test of endurance than in years past. This also allowed us to watch every film in its entirety.
These screenings can be a lot of fun. Nearly every local animator who makes his or her own film submits, allowing us to watch the various directions in which our “neighbor” animators are headed. Afterward, congratulations are exchanged, a bar is tracked down and introductions, bad jokes and a few strong opinions are swapped. It’s an energizing atmosphere and reminds me why I am in New York and why I’m happy to be a part of ASIFA-East.
See you all Thursday night!
I felt the report on night one of the independent films deserved a comment.
My film screened on this night and I was incredibly happy with the response.
Go me.
Huzzah.
I’d like to give a special mention to Nagasaki Circus, not just because the narration was performed by a fellow antipodean, but also because it was one of two animated films we saw that didn’t actually have any animation in it.
I don’t recall the other.
Elliot! Yes, Brothers-in-Arms was a blast to see.
Hooray!