Woods Hole Film Festival 2008

In 2004 Disney announced that “Home on the Range” would be their last hand drawn film. The field in which we were entering, computer animation, was no longer complimenting the art of cell animation; as was the case with Aladdin or The Lion King, it had conquered it. Animation’s autophagy caused a deep ambivalence towards my future career. These were the events that catalyzed “The Big Upgrade”. However, we did not want to limit our concept to 2D versus 3D, but instead keep it focused on ambivalence, using animation as its cover girl.

'Breaking Pattern' tells the story of a young girl's struggle against poverty, lost dreams and hopelessness set in small town America.

For this small town everything was down. The economy was down, people's spirits were down, friendships were down; so was a little bunny. By rallying together to rescue a bunny that has fallen down an airshaft to an abandoned mine, the town just might save itself.

'Bigger Plans' (11 minutes): Moma is a young man who dreams of being and architect to build a better life for himself and his family. / BFC Buzz: The writer immigrated to Burundi from the D.R. Congo and had the script translated to Kirundi by his classmates 'Nothing's the Same'(10 minutes): Anemone, a girl raised with strict Christian values, must deal with a harsh new reality on the eve of her wedding. / BFC Buzz: The production team had to use a car battery to power their equipment to complete the one day shoot. 'Reveal Yourself' (10 minutes): Congolese refugees camped out in the city of Bujumbura are either ignored or feared by those who pass by. One day, a five dollar bill forces these worlds to collide in unexpected ways. / BFC Buzz: Shooting of this film ran from 6AM - 2AM to accomodate the real-life refugees. 'Abuse' (7 minutes): An aspiring university student moves to Bujumbura from the countryside and has to deal with a dangerous living situation. BFC Buzz: The lead actors wife was in labour with their first child during production. 'Kivumvu: Basket Boy' (12 minutes): A ten-year-old named KIVUMVU (Kirundi for 'basket') searches for the origins of his often mocked name. / BFC Buzz: A four-day-old infant in the maternity ward was rented for three dollars during shooting.

This 'Docudramedy' follows the campaign of legendary orator, Lloyd Smith, as he and his son ArtMan set their sights on one of the highly coveted 9 seats on the Cambridge City Council.

Fourhand Layers of Lasagna Portrait of a Master

UGO GRIMBOLD - young, sombre, and somewhat confused by life - travels to Capri intent on selling the beautiful villa which he’s just inherited. Ugo’s best friend, NESTOR, an architect, has already arrived, and counsels Ugo against selling the house. Nestor is accompanied by the mysterious EMILIE who’s got a day to kill before joining her billionaire boyfriend for a cruise. The following morning, Nestor makes a final attempt at persuading his friend not to sell the house. Ugo wanders off by himself, exploring the island in a Fiat 500. eaving Nestor and Emilie alone. Soon they’re interrupted by the arrival of the dreamy BABETTE, who shared the same godfather with Ugo. Babette believes that she and Ugo are meant to be together; based on a single encounter during their childhood. Nestor invites Babette to stay for the weekend, hoping that she might help to draw Ugo out of his apathy. Little could he have imagined how their lives would change in the next 48 hours.

An excerpt from Plato's Republic, the 'Allegory of the Cave' is a classic commentary on the human condition. We have adapted and brought it to life by shooting over 4,000 still photographs of John Grigsby's wonderful claymation. The look was achieved by use of candlelight in a real fire that burned at the back of the set.