The AniNation Festival, celebrating its eighth edition, is set to take place at the Jerusalem Cinematheque from November 19-21, highlighting the exceptional creativity of recent animated films from both Israel and global filmmakers. Animated films possess the unique capability to conjure fantastical realms that can envelop and captivate audiences in ways that traditional live-action films often cannot, thanks to their extraordinary visuals and imaginative storytelling.
While some of the showcased films are tailored for a younger audience, it is important to note that numerous selections contain images that could prove unsettling for children, adding layers of depth that may resonate more with adult viewers.
The festival will kick off with a special opening event centered around the theme of science fiction, featuring Tibor Banoczki and Sarolta Szabo’s thought-provoking animated feature, White Plastic Sky. Set against the backdrop of a desolate 2123 Budapest, where the earth’s resources have all but vanished, the film tells a poignant tale of survival. In a desperate bid to sustain humanity, individuals aged 50 and above undergo a transformation into trees, contributing a marginal amount of oxygen to the struggling biosphere. A young couple faces heartbreaking separation when the female protagonist chooses to begin her metamorphosis into a tree sooner than expected, stirring themes of love and sacrifice.
Following this engaging opening will be Jeremie Perin’s captivating film, Mars Express, which plunges viewers into a dystopian detective saga on the planet Mars. Here, a team of detectives finds themselves racing against the clock to rescue a student whose groundbreaking discovery places him in peril, as powerful forces conspire to keep it under wraps. Both Mars Express and Flow will feature prominently in the festival lineup, showcasing the diversity of modern animated storytelling. (credit: AniNation)
Featured full-length films
This year’s festival lineup promises a rich exploration of animated cinema, including Jan Svankmajer’s iconic 1988 film, Alice. This adaptation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland remains extraordinarily true to the essence of Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale, offering audiences an experience that contrasts starkly with more mainstream interpretations, particularly Disney’s rendition. Renowned as a master of surrealist animation, the Czech filmmaker Svankmajer has gifted audiences with a legacy of striking, imaginative narratives that remain etched in cinematic history.
Experiencing Alice on the big screen presents a rare opportunity to witness Svankmajer’s unbounded creativity firsthand, as the film features a live actress portraying Alice amidst a cast of bizarre, tactile characters crafted from unconventional materials, including tattered stuffed toys and fish skeletons—creating a vivid, dreamlike atmosphere.
Back in 2000, I had the unique privilege of interviewing Svankmajer for my inaugural assignment with The Jerusalem Post. While he was amiable and open during our conversation, it became clear that he preferred letting his visually stunning films speak volumes about his artistic vision.
Flavors of Iraq, crafted by Leonard Cohen (not to be confused with the famous musician), delves into the evocative journey of journalist Feurat Alani as he reflects on his father’s migration from Iraq to France, weaving a narrative rich in history and familial connections.
Cat enthusiasts will be enchanted by Gints Zilbalodis’s breathtaking film, Flow, which stands out as a profound, dialogue-free exploration of a cat seeking refuge aboard a vessel occupied by an eclectic assembly of creatures after its natural habitat faces destruction.
The festival’s program, BestZalel 2024, will feature an impressive collection of films crafted by its talented students, alongside an array of recent Israeli animated films encompassing both documentary and narrative styles. Additionally, animator and game developer Alex Klexber is slated to discuss his creative journey, offering insights into the intersection of animation and gaming.
A special segment will also showcase exceptional films hailing from Annecy, a renowned international animation festival, further enriching the festival experience.
For the full program, go to jer-cin.org.il/en/lobby/anination-2024
**Interview with AniNation Festival Director, Maya Cohen**
*Interviewer:* Thank you for joining us, Maya! As the director of the AniNation Festival, can you share what makes this year’s festival special?
*Maya Cohen:* Thank you for having me! This year marks our eighth edition, and we’re excited to showcase a diverse range of animated films from both Israel and around the world. It’s an incredible opportunity to highlight the exceptional creativity of animated storytelling, especially since animation can transport viewers to fantastical realms in ways that live-action films often cannot.
*Interviewer:* Absolutely! The festival kicks off with the animated feature *White Plastic Sky*. Can you tell us a bit more about this film and why it was chosen as the opening feature?
*Maya Cohen:* *White Plastic Sky* is a striking work by Tibor Banoczki and Sarolta Szabo, set in a desolate future where resources are almost depleted. Its themes of survival, love, and sacrifice resonate deeply, and we believe it sets a thought-provoking tone for the festival. The story follows individuals transforming into trees to help sustain humanity, which raises important questions about our relationship with nature and each other.
*Interviewer:* That sounds fascinating! It appears there will also be a variety of films appealing to different audiences, including those with more adult themes. How do you navigate that balance in your programming?
*Maya Cohen:* It’s essential to acknowledge that while some films cater to younger audiences, others contain more mature themes and imagery. We aim for our selections to be thought-provoking and enrich the viewer’s experience. Not every film is designed for children, and we encourage adult audiences to engage deeply with these narratives that reflect complex emotional landscapes.
*Interviewer:* Speaking of diverse storytelling, you also mentioned *Mars Express*. How does this film contribute to the festival’s broad exploration of animated cinema?
*Maya Cohen:* *Mars Express* offers a gripping dystopian detective story on Mars, showcasing a darker and more thrilling side of animation. It explores themes of discovery and danger in a visually stunning environment. This film, along with others like *Flow*, displays the richness of modern animated storytelling – there’s something for everyone.
*Interviewer:* And we can’t forget about Jan Svankmajer’s *Alice*. What do you think makes this particular film stand out, especially for audiences who may be familiar with more mainstream adaptations?
*Maya Cohen:* Svankmajer’s *Alice* is a masterclass in surreal animation and stays true to the essence of Carroll’s beloved story. Unlike mainstream versions, it delves into deeper psychological layers and presents a tactile, bizarre world that is truly mesmerizing. Experiencing *Alice* on the big screen is an opportunity to witness a genius at work, and it adds a unique flavor to our lineup.
*Interviewer:* It sounds like AniNation will be an enriching experience for attendees! Thank you, Maya, for sharing these insights. We look forward to the festival!
*Maya Cohen:* Thank you! I can’t wait to see the audiences’ reactions to the films we’ve curated. We hope everyone leaves feeling inspired!