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The AniNation Festival, one of Israel’s premier celebrations of animated cinema, is set to return to the Jerusalem Cinematheque from November 19-21, offering an exciting lineup of both international and local animated films.
Now in its eighth year, the festival will showcase an eclectic mix of works that span across genres, with a particular focus on futuristic and dystopian narratives, offering audiences a unique visual feast that promises to transport viewers to alternate realities.
While some of the films are designed for younger audiences, others feature complex themes and imagery that may be better suited for adult viewers.
The festival offers a rare chance for animation enthusiasts to experience a wide variety of styles and storytelling techniques, from thought-provoking science fiction to surreal adaptations of classic literature.
Opening Event: A Dystopian Vision of the Future
The festival will kick off with the screening of White Plastic Sky, a dystopian science fiction film from Tibor Banoczki and Sarolta Szabo. Set in the year 2123, the film depicts a world where the planet’s resources have been depleted to the point of near-collapse.
In a desperate attempt to save the human race, 50-year-olds undergo a process to transform into trees that contribute a small amount of oxygen back to the biosphere.
The film tells the story of a young couple torn apart when the woman decides to start the transformation process earlier than required, sparking a conflict between the lovers and the rest of society.
This dark and poetic film explores themes of environmental collapse and personal sacrifice, with an aesthetic that blends detailed animation with stark, haunting imagery. It is a powerful start to the festival, setting the tone for the series of dystopian films that will follow.
Mars Express: A Detective Story Set on Mars
Following the opening film, Mars Express by Jeremie Perin will transport viewers to the red planet for a high-stakes detective story. In this animated thriller, detectives race against time to save a student who has uncovered a groundbreaking secret, before those who wish to suppress the discovery can silence him.
With its fast-paced plot and intricate world-building, Mars Express offers a compelling blend of detective noir and futuristic sci-fi, showing the versatility of animation as a storytelling tool.
The two films serve as a testament to the diverse range of narratives that can be told through animated cinema.
While White Plastic Sky examines the consequences of environmental destruction, Mars Express adds a layer of suspense and intrigue with its futuristic mystery, demonstrating the medium’s ability to tackle serious issues while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
Iconic European Animation: Jan Svankmajer’s Alice
One of the most highly anticipated films at the AniNation Festival is Jan Svankmajer’s Alice (1988), an animated adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Svankmajer, a legendary figure in surrealist European animation, brings a uniquely dark and surrealist touch to the classic tale.
Unlike the familiar Disney adaptation, Svankmajer’s Alice stays true to the eerie, otherworldly nature of Carroll’s work, blending stop-motion animation with live-action sequences.
The film follows Alice, portrayed by a live actress, as she navigates a bizarre, nightmarish version of Wonderland, populated by unsettling characters made from everyday objects such as stuffed animals and fish skeletons.
The film’s use of unconventional animation techniques and its haunting visuals create an experience that is both unsettling and mesmerizing.
This is an incredible opportunity for animation fans to see one of Svankmajer’s most iconic films on the big screen, an experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Flavors of Iraq: A Personal Journey Through Animation
In addition to the more fantastical films, the festival will also feature Flavors of Iraq, an animated short by Leonard Cohen (not the singer-songwriter) that reflects on the journey of Feurat Alani’s father from Iraq to France.
This poignant film uses animation to explore themes of identity, migration, and family, providing a more grounded, yet deeply emotional viewing experience.
It highlights the power of animation to convey personal and political narratives, making it a powerful addition to the festival’s lineup.
Flow: A Wordless Tale of Survival and Resilience
For animal lovers, Flow by Gints Zilbalodis offers a stunning, wordless experience that tells the story of a cat who seeks refuge on a boat filled with strange and wondrous creatures after its home is destroyed.
The film’s breathtaking animation and lack of dialogue create a universal language, allowing the audience to connect emotionally with the protagonist’s journey of survival and resilience.
This visually captivating film is an example of how animation can evoke deep emotional responses through sheer artistry and expression.
Celebrating Local Talent: BestZalel 2024
While the festival boasts a strong international presence, it also celebrates Israel’s thriving animation scene. The BestZalel 2024 program will showcase a selection of films created by students from Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem, one of the top institutions for animation in Israel.
The academy’s animation track is renowned for producing some of the country’s most innovative and thought-provoking animated works.
Several other programs will highlight recent Israeli animated films, including both fictional and documentary works.
These films offer a unique glimpse into the country’s animation landscape and showcase the diverse storytelling talent coming out of Israel. The inclusion of local works is a testament to the growing influence of Israeli animators on the global stage.
A Spotlight on Animation Careers
In addition to the screenings, the AniNation Festival will feature a special talk by animator and game developer Alex Klexber, who will discuss his career and the intersection of animation and gaming.
This session will provide valuable insights into the professional world of animation, offering aspiring animators and filmmakers an opportunity to learn from an industry expert.
Annecy’s Best: A Global Animation Showcase
Another exciting feature of this year’s AniNation Festival is the program dedicated to the best films from Annecy, one of the world’s most prestigious animation festivals.
This curated selection will offer audiences a chance to experience some of the best animated films from around the world, including works that have received acclaim at Annecy in recent years.
The program serves as a reminder of the global scope of animated cinema, and the wide range of themes, styles, and techniques that animators continue to explore.
Conclusion
With its eclectic mix of science fiction, surrealism, personal narratives, and cutting-edge animation, the eighth AniNation Festival promises to be a landmark event for animation fans in Israel and beyond.
Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast of the medium or a newcomer looking to explore the world of animated cinema, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience some of the best animated films from Israel and around the world.
From dystopian tales of environmental collapse to surreal reimaginings of classic literature, this year’s lineup proves that animation remains one of the most vibrant and imaginative forms of filmmaking today.
The AniNation Festival runs from November 19-21 at the Jerusalem Cinematheque, and tickets can be purchased online.