Heads up. I'll be attending this year's Ottawa International Animation Festival and I'm so excited I could bust! I was on such an animation high after last year's festival, I swear my co-workers had to pry me off the ceiling. It was that good. This year, the festival will take place September 21-25, and it looks like it'll be another doozy. Henry Selick will be in attendance to showcase the premiere of his newest short film, Moongirl, John Canemaker's The Moon and the Son will be screened, as well as many many others. In fact, 109 films from 64 countries were chosen for the Official Competition, with many more in out-of-competition and special screenings. (Cartoon Brew's Jerry Beck will be presenting some interesting goodies.) Another aspect of the festival I enjoyed was the workshops and panel discussions -- geeking out animation-style is definitely something I have no shame about. Many notes will be taken.One of the reasons I started this blog was that I wanted a place to discuss all the films and panels I checked out at the festival last year. Instead, I ended up going off on several different tangents, talking about other stuff that interested me at the time, such as reviewing THE INCREDIBLES, Gerald McBoing Boing on the HELLBOY DVD, revisiting NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (in two parts, no less!), and then going off on THE POLAR EXPRESS (oh, yes -- two parts, there as well).
It's been a year, but I still want to talk about that experience. I will eventually, but in the meantime, I plan on reporting on this year's festival as it unfolds. (Assuming that I can find a cyber café nearby -- do they still have those things?) If you're in the area, I do encourage you to check out a screening or two. Hope to see you there!
Ward, have a great time in Ottawa. We have an episode of Birdman nominated in the "Adult Animation" category once again this year, and our Director, Rich, will be in attendance, as well. It's called "Birdgirl of Guantanamole". I'll get to go up there one of these years, but, as you are well aware, work rules! Good to see you at the Primal Party, albeit briefly. Take care.
ReplyDeleteoh lucky you! the nations capital. sounds like such a blast! i love those sort of things where you can soak it all in. enjoy!
ReplyDeleteYeah, Jan, it was really interesting to check out all the Parliment buildings when I was at the fest last year. I felt so stupid -- didn't even know Ottawa was the nation's capital until after a few days there!
ReplyDeleteHey Steve, good to see you at the party, too. I plan on working on that post about my Turner visit, I promise! And Ottawa is definitely a great animation-shot in the arm -- you've got to go some day!
Oh, and anybody's welcome to email me and work out a time to meet. I think that it would be cool to hook up with other bloggers, if that's possible.
Bishop Animation will be there (with all two of our in house employees). Our little film "Opposites Jamboree" is in the fest, so we're headed up. We'll be staying at the Capital Hill Suites. Maybe we can meet up? I already emailed you about this, but the blog is a good way to invite more people to say hello.
ReplyDeleteso happy that you're getting to experience this again... yes, I will miss you and yes, the kids will wear me out but I'm so happy for you.
ReplyDeleteYou want a Cybercafe? They even have cyber-laundromats in the Bytown market area, near most of the festival venues. Surf while your clothes wash and spin. I go past it every morning as I drive thru the area on my way to work.
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