For the first time since its inception in 2023, the Neumann University Film Festival adds animation to its block of films for this year’s film festival.
With different films from all over the world, such as the Middle East, and even homegrown films made by Neumann student Catherine Fochi, it offered a variety of glimpses into different animation styles and different storytelling within those animated films.
When asking Sara McDermott, who is the director of the film festival, what made it important for animation to be included in this year’s film festival, she had this to say:
“Animation is an often-overlooked medium, but a very important one when we think about what’s possible in the world of film-making. As was mentioned during the animation block, animation is truly unlimited. While live-action has restrictions on what’s possible, animation can do anything. This is such a gift to an artist who really wants to push the boundaries of what they can show and express in their work. It’s important to include animation in the festival to help elevate it as a medium.”
When also asked about how the animation block was received by those who were able to attend it Sara said:
“The block was received well, there was good attendance and it got people talking. Some of the animated films tend to be a little more unusual than our other, live-action films, simply because they aren’t bound by any restrictions. These films tend to be more experimental-but that’s a great way to get people thinking!”
Finally, when asked about which film was the fan favorite and which garnered the most attention/reaction from the audience, she said:
“The short documentary ‘frame by frame’ that ran in this block explored the world of animation. It was completed by Catherine Fochi, who graduated from Neumann in December 2024, and it added great context to the animation block, explaining a bit to audiences about why this is such a unique and underutilized medium. Cat wound up taking home the ‘audience choice’ award for the festival. Signa Baumane’s ‘Birth’ wound up taking home the prize for ‘best animation’”.
Overall, the addition of the animation block to the film festival was well received by those in attendance and should be added to next year’s festival, so that others in attendance can experience what different animated films have to offer.
