Michelle Kranot

A visual journey that challenges us to think about a universal belonging that doesn’t confine itself to a city, region or national boundary, in an age in which xenophobia, nationalism and intolerance are a daily occurrence.

In this evocative film about the eternal human search for home, Berta and Solomon arrive in a land that promises respite from their many journeys. But have they found utopia... or just another stop on their long journey?

"What does the hangman think about when he goes home at night from work?" ​ The Hangman at Home is an animated film exploring themes surrounding acknowledgement and the awkward intimacy of humanness. Told in five interwoven stories; each situation presents a person, or persons in a delicate moment: fragile, playful, terrified, contemplated, confused, curious… We are all very much alike in these moments - alerting us to question our own responsibility and responses. Inspired by Carl Sandburg’s chilling poem of the same name.

NEF Animation (nefanimation.fr) and Fontevraud Abbey are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Fontevraud International Writing Residency for Animated Film in October 2017. A book and DVD set is being released for the occasion, featuring fifteen animated short films written during residencies at Fontevraud Abbey. Fifteen films, fifteen perspectives, fifteen worlds, presented in a video medley lasting a few minutes.

Simply put, 6 eclectic and diverse animation styles present some surprisingly adult little vignettes that, in theory, add up to a film. An apparent festival favorite.

Suggestion of Least Resistance is based on archive materials which depict The July Revolt of 1927 (Der Brand des Wiener Justizpalastes), a monumental episode still acutely relevant. The animation film is a rhythmic, poetic surge, comparing us, our lives, and our very humanness to burning paper in the breeze. Images of sheets of paper flying through the broken windows of the burning palace are juxtaposed with images of the crowds as they convene and disperse. The music charges these powerful images with its own aliveness and colour.

The Happiness Machine is a cinematic performance comprised of animated films, musical compositions and testimonials. Ten women filmmakers, ten women composers and ten musicians present Christian Felber's Common Good Economy for discussion.

Black Tape explores the theme of domination. In an entangled tango, the victim and victimizer dance, occupying the frame and space between brushstrokes.

Reflection about corruption, militarism and indoctrination.

White Tape explores the theme of boundaries: the frame, the space between brushstrokes and the implications of occupation.

On the cold outskirts of town, something is about to happen. In our own way we are all waiting for something to happen.

‘We Are at Home’ is exploring themes of acknowledgement, participation and the awkward intimacy that comes with being human.