Film Archive

Jahr

Filmstill Cyclepaths

Cyclepaths

Cyclepaths
Anton Cla
International Competition Animated Film 2023
Animated Film
Belgium
2023
12 minutes
without dialogue
Subtitles: 
None

On the outskirts of the city, the new modern buildings are silent and the motorway bridge drones. Birds are circling in the sky, a young man, concealed by his hoodie, is riding his e-scooter along a park path. The only irritating element is the rifle over his shoulder.

Anton Cla’s film depicts a mood of high alert, while the disaster has in fact already happened. Unexplainable scenes that could not be more disconcerting and grow increasingly drastic unfold calmly. The screaming silence is decisively enhanced by the imperceptibly accumulating mixed drone of the daily sounds of a mechanised world: motorway, tramway, clicking indicators, pulsating emergency signals. What the soundscape adamantly refuses to deliver is a loud discharge that would release the tension. The suburban landscape is steeped in a red theatrical warning light, blurs restrict the view. The 3D computer design masks neither the artificiality nor the computer-based deformations of the images of a normality that has become a combat zone – the machine matrix seems to rule already.

André Eckardt

Credits DOK Leipzig Logo

Director
Anton Cla
Producer
Anton Cla
Sound
Milan Van Doren
Animation
Anton Cla
Nominated for: mephisto 97.6 Audience Award
Filmstill Drijf

Drijf

Drijf
Levi Stoops
International Competition Animated Film 2023
Animated Film
Belgium
2023
15 minutes
Dutch
Subtitles: 
English

She and him, naked on the holiday seas in the bright sun. It may sound idyllic, but it is hell for Aurora and Jeremy. In search of funny dolphins, the two are paddling without orientation in the limitless expanse of water, no land in sight. Complete with dangers from above and below in the shape of heat and sharks. And at the centre of events is a near-defunct relationship. The roles are well-practised and grating, uptight lust is satisfied only solo.

Instead of roaring waves, it is above all the relentless silence of the sea surrounding them that provides the tension of the film. It is occasionally released in brilliant miniatures, for example a witty argument, or clumsy physical comedy. Another time, we are shocked by action-filled horror moments triggering absurd chain reactions. Whether it is the glaring light on the brutally calm water and the clueless couple, the visual fumes of decay one can almost smell, or a super dynamic dive – Levi Stoops’ direction is magnificent and timed with utmost precision.

André Eckardt

Credits DOK Leipzig Logo

Director
Levi Stoops
Script
Levi Stoops
Cinematographer
Camiel Hermans, Sarah Menheere, Karolien Raeymaekers, Levi Stoops
Editor
Levi Stoops
Producer
Annemie Degryse
Sound
Paulo Rietjens, Arnout Colaert
Sound Design
Paulo Rietjens
Score
Mick Lemaire
Animation
Camiel Hermans, Sarah Menheere, Karolien Raeymaekers, Levi Stoops
World Sales
Annabel Sebag
Nominated for: mephisto 97.6 Audience Award