Animated Oscar winners!

Its been an interesting year for animation with the return of a more traditional hand drawn look with films like Klaus and shorts films as well. 
Two animated shorts, which are in competition for this year's Oscars Short Film(animated) catagory are "Hair Love" and "Kitbull". Both are in color and are traditionally animated. Both films are sponsored by movie studios; "Hair Love" with Sony Picture Animation and "Kitbull" with Pixar SparkShorts program.

I had seen Hair Love and was sure it would win, however after seeing Kitbull, Hair Love has found its competition.

I'm going out on a limb here to make a prediction that "Hair Love" will win the Oscar! Hair Love is a human story about love, hair and the black community, but its more of a universal story with appeal. Its has a lot of strong storytelling inside it, as well as a message of hope. 

If it does, please take a look/listen to this recent interview with the directors of the film. https://youtu.be/7CPvoVOooPk  

Now, don't get me wrong, I like Kitbull too. The story is about a small abandoned kitten who meets an abandoned Pitbull. We learn that the Pitbull just wants to play, but is chained up and used in a bad way by his owner. 

The animation of the kitten is great and like Hair Love its colorful, traditionally animated and told with music. Kitbull also is a story of hope, where the two different animals become friends and help each other.

I know there is not much time before the Oscars begin on this wet and rainy Sunday, but please leave a comment below. Which film did you like like the most?

And the winner is, Hair Love!

A Tribute to Kobe

I never got the chance to meet Kobe Bryant, but I did have the opportunity to see him at an animation awards show for his film, “Dear Basketball,” which won an Oscar for best animated short in 2018

The tragedy that happened to him, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other people on that fateful helicopter flight is unimaginable. Our hearts and prayers truly go out to their families.

And although Los Angeles is feeling the pain and grief, I would like to take a moment to reflect on one aspect of his life which he created after he retired from his basketball career.

Dear Basketball from TRANSIENT on Vimeo.

I had the opportunity to meet the film's director, legendary animator Glen Keane, at its premiere in front of an audience. The animation was amazing and the music by John Williams was nothing less than spectacular.  It was deep, personal and moving.

I would like to share this short gem in remembrance of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, and the rest of the people on that helicopter.

RIP Black Mamba