The Potential for Independent Animation in Ireland
Thursday 19th October, 11.00am, The Lecture Gallery, Crawford Municipal Art
Gallery
A panel of independent animators discuss the variety of formats and
distribution methods they have used. Panelists include representatives from
Monster Animation, Cartoon Saloon, animators Naomi Wilson and Steve Woods,
chaired by Kieran O'Connor, Cork Film Centre.
A Tribute To Aardman Animation
With the continuing international success of 'Chicken Run', it is
appropriate to celebrate the past triumphs and the early work of Aardman
Animations, a company that has shaped the success of clay animation over the
last number of years. From 'Wallace & Gromit' to 'Creature Comforts', 'Pib & Pog'
to 'Rex the Runt', from their advertising work to their new phenomenon on the
internet - 'Angry Kid', Aardman's influence becomes more apparent when you
look at their entire body of work.
With three jam-packed programmes from the collective talents of Aardman
Animations - the festival covers all of Aardman's essential ingredients.
Most famously, the three Wallace & Gromit films are included with favourite
characters such as Feathers McGraw and Wendolene Ramsbottom. Early Oscar
success with 'Creature Comforts' and underground favourites like 'Rex the Runt'
and 'Angry Kid' are added to with earlier animations that established the
company.
Focus On The Brothers Quay
The Brothers Quay are true originals and the programme of their work will
demonstrate their extraordinary talent. Animated dolls sit at black desks in
blacker rooms, eyeless heads watch iron filings do a strange dance. Although
much of these characters are eyeless they seem to understand what's going
on, there's a glint of intellect in their faces. If there was a nuclear
explosion in Toytown, these are the survivors. The films are surreal to say
the least, but this is the world of the Brothers Quay.
Identical twins from Pennsylvania, having moved to London over twenty years
ago, they have established themselves as unique artists with unique
influences. Their work is often compered, with respect, to their peers like
Jan Svankmajer. Literary influences include Franz Kafka and, especially,
Robert Walser. Apart from any high-brow attributions made to them, their
work is well known amongst a wider audience although we may not know it.
They are responsible for many TV idents and fillers, for MTV amongst others,
as well as plenty of advertising work (including the Samurai series for
Murphy’s Irish Stout !).
The film festival is delighted to welcome the Brothers Quay to Cork and are
pleased to screen their only feature-length film 'Institute Benjamenta' as it
should be viewed - a cinema auditorium. In addition, there is a full
programme from their long list of short film work, mostly stop-motion
animation with puppetry, including their most recent film, premiered in
Cannes, 'In Absentia'.