BERLIN ANIMATIONS 2
Wonder by Mirai Mizue (2014) (Japan/France) (8m) *
Wonder was a hit on the film festival circuit, including at Berlin International Film Festival. It was made over a full 365 days, with the Mizue hand-drawing 8760 pictures (one picture for every hour of the year). Although made in a different medium, it is reminiscent - and has the mesmeric qualities - of the BAFTA winning animation, The Bead Game, by Ishu Pate. It is pretty psychedelic.
Echo by Merlin Flugel (2013) (Germany) (5m) *
If you have any idea what is going on in this somehwat experimental animation, please let me know. In Echo, a man appears to escape a flood on a dog-like creature, then finds a new and strange civilization that worships a pseudo deity. Is that right? Is it a comment on religion? Humanity? The need to conform? Honestly, I think it may be a little bit to arcane for my tastes but the Berlin selectors obviously liked it.
Seven Days In The Wood by Peter Larsson (2010) (Sweden) (6m) *
The experimental Seven Days In The Wood (Sju Dagar I Skogen) was animated by Larsson and Rasmus R Streith. It feels a little like a David Lynch film with its eerie, evocative sounds and visuals. I honestly cannot see a narrative but I am not sure that was the intention of the creators. It was nominated for a Golden Bear in 2011, showing a long held inclination from the Berlin jury towards experimentation.
