In past GIRAF editions we have spotlighted Alberta Animators and Canadian Animators in their own shorts packages. This year we were blown away by the sheer amount of local films being produced and we couldn’t resist the opportunity to open our festival with films from our community. Spotlighting the films made in Treaty 7 territory makes us feel exceptionally proud because it is a sign that animators ARE here and choosing to make their work here – even when it might feel like a feat against all odds.

 

So, what is the characteristic that links all Calgary animators together? It can’t be their style - every film looks different from each other. It can’t be their education – this varies from filmmaker to filmmaker.

 

We would say it is their passion, resiliency, persistence, and willingness to share stories with the world. Congratulations to all the filmmakers and all the communities of support that helped these films to see the light of day.

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Stick around at the end of the screening for a Q&A with the filmmakers themselves!