#youtube shortfilm

[elioli-art]

With an another snippet of our in progress animated short film "The Moon and Me" on our Youtube!

[demigod-of-the-agni]

IT'S HERE

I'M WATCHING IT. I'M DEAF TO THE WORLD. FAREWELL

edit: in case you couldn't tell i'm live reblogging. leave me alone.

[enteriris]

Just finished my first Hermitcraft animatic! Soups on!

[wollymight]

The first episode of DEEPSTATES is out on my YouTube now :) It's about a girl named Mac and her best friend, a rabbit named Watts. They go down a twisted and strange adventure together. We got eight episodes written so far and this is a gif from the first. There will be lots of spooky occult stuff in it. I hope you consider checking out out.

The second episode will be released on 12-21-24.

[lukethewitt]

URANIA | Short Film About a Gay Man Waking Up Straight

Starring Forbes 30Under30-listed Stefanos Dimoulas (DANCING WITH THE STARS) and DeVaughan Gay, alongside BAFTA nominee George Vere (NOT FOR BROADCAST), Clare Stenning, Conor Tahir and Zohra Khan – is out now! Click the link in my bio to watch for free.

Self-hating gay man Vincent wakes from an unusual dream to discover he's now straight. Has this made his life much easier, as he suspects, or do his problems run deeper than that?

From the writer-director of 20 QUESTIONS, A MATTER OF TRUST and BATTERSEA POWER STATION and recent plays SLUSH PILE and OUTING, this queer comedy-drama explores issues many people face but never talk about.

[adragonsoulart-blog]

A final for my compositing class that I later revised this year. I had been itching to do 3D compositing with video footage and this project was my chance!

Featuring yours truly acting in costume!

I've got another short animation coming out later this month! So stay tuned!

Links | Patreon | Kofi | Comics

[lucifernevergoesaway]

A short art film I made for uni class 

[sykosan]

Kickstarter is up ! You can also help by simply liking👍, commenting💬, sharing🔁, following👀, etc. Love you guys 💖💖💖

[nokspit]

Ogees | Award Winning Short Film (2024 Movie)

[elioli-art]

Watch our short film progress on YouTube!

[enteriris]

A group of friends and I participated in NightMind's Candy Bowl: Halloween 10, and we were featured! Here's our first ever shortfilm!

[meanlies]

the first episode of mean lies is on youtube !!

[wollymight]

The first episode of DEEPSTATES is out on my YouTube now :) It's about a girl named Mac and her best friend, a rabbit named Watts. They go down a twisted and strange adventure together. We got eight episodes written so far and this is a gif from the first. There will be lots of spooky occult stuff in it. I hope you consider checking out out.

The second episode will be released on 12-21-24.

[the-visual-journey-blogg]

Subversive Stop-Motion: "Ruka" (The Hand) - Jiří Trnka's 1965 Masterpiece

By Sofi Ojeda

In the realm of stop-motion animation, few films stand out as boldly as Jiří Trnka's "Ruka" (The Hand), a short film that transcends the boundaries of the medium. Released in 1965, this 18-minute cinematic gem is a testament to Trnka's artistic prowess and his daring critique of the political climate he navigated.

Jiří Trnka: The Puppet Master

Before delving into the subversive world of "Ruka," it's crucial to understand the maestro behind the scenes. Jiří Trnka, born in Czechoslovakia in 1912, was not just a puppet animator; he was a talented thinker who challenged the conventions of animation to transmit a message. His early exposure to puppetry when he helped his grandmother making toys and dolls and his mother who was a dressmaker, combined with the help of a stint under renowned puppeteer Joseph Scoopa, set the stage for Trnka's journey into the world of art, children's book illustration, sculpture and animation.

Trnka's career unfolded against the backdrop of political turbulence. His personal experience of totalitarianism under the communist regime led him create multiple films as critique of the context. On the other hand, his unique human character designs and backgorund style, was an unexpected rebellion too, against the Disney formula (which was the standard at that time), while he was still delving as a 2d traditional animator.

However, in 1947, he transitioned to stop motion, and his subsequent films were nothing short of successes, acclaimed for their aesthetics, previously unseen in the world of animation, in which he consistently engaged in critique. One notable creation was "Song of the Prairie" in 1049, a satirical take on United States Westerns.

"Ruka": A Political Allegory Unveiled

"Ruka" begins with a peculiar character—a potter crafting clay pots in his room. This seemingly innocent setting takes a sharp turn as a giant hand attempts to manipulate the pots. The narrative swiftly unfolds into a political allegory, mirroring the oppressive political regime Trnka experienced.

At its core, the film presents a clash between the potter and the hand, symbolizing the individual's resistance to political interference. The hand, a metaphor for dominant political forces, introduces images of authority, including the Statue of Liberty. Set against the early years of the Cold War, "Ruka" becomes a poignant commentary on political propaganda and manipulation.

As the protagonist resists the hand's influence, the film navigates the character's journey from defiance to submission. The potter is coerced into sculpting a giant hand, a metaphor for the insidious nature of indoctrination. Despite receiving rewards, the character's internal struggle unveils the facade of freedom in a totalitarian system.

Legacy and Impact

"Ruka" stands as a subversive masterpiece in the world of stop-motion animation. Trnka's meticulous control over the animation process, from set creation to frame-by-frame shooting, showcases his technical brilliance as well as fantastic storytelling skills. Despite the ban imposed on the film in Czechoslovakia, "Ruka" garnered international acclaim and won the top prize at the Honesty International Animation Festival. However, this was Trnka's last film, so he was unable to witness its subsequent recognition or prohibition.

Jiří Trnka's legacy extends beyond "Ruka." His influence in animation earned him the moniker "the Walt Disney of Eastern Europe." In 1968, he received the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for his contribution to children's literature.

Despite receiving a warm reception for his work, Jiří Trnka harbored mixed feelings about the privileges bestowed upon him and the reality of living under the political regime. His artistic success was accompanied by a poignant melancholy and a dark undertone, a reflection of the challenging context that surrounded him. This dichotomy in Trnka's emotions adds a layer of complexity to his artistic legacy, showcasing the profound impact that political turmoil had on his personal and creative psyche.

Conclusion: Unveiling the Hand of Political Critique

"Ruka" is not merely a stop-motion film; it is a subversive exploration of political power and individual resistance. Trnka's ability to weave a narrative that transcends the confines of animation cements his place as a visionary in the cinematic landscape. As you delve into the 18 minutes of "Ruka," be prepared to witness a puppeteer's masterstroke that challenges norms, leaving an indelible mark on the world of animation.

*This film was considered a masterpiece, being articulate, meaningful, and masterfully done. You can find it on YouTube or in the video below.

Bibliography

Short film: "Ruka" (The Hand) - Jiří Trnka's 1965

Video: The Hand / Ruka - Subversive Stop Motion on Youtube: Georg Rockall-Schmidt Official Channel.

Documentary: Jiri Trnka - Czech Puppet Animation Master Documentary, 1967. Director: Michael J. Sudyn

Blog: https://wepa.unima.org/en/jiri-trnka/

Blog: Political oppression and resistance in Jiří Trnka’s Ruka/The Hand (1965) https://www.fantasy-animation.org/current-posts/political-oppression-and-resistance-in-ji-trnkas-ruka-the-hand-1965