Daniel Kreizberg’s new film, inspired by E.E.Cummings’ poetry and paintings, and with a soundtrack by the late maestro Yakov Kreizberg, will premiere at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival on October 31.
Director Daniel Kreizberg’s animated short will premiere at SCAD Savannah Film Festival on October 31 in the Professional Animated Shorts competition.
The collaboration with Mailuki Films and the STUDIO is inspired by E.E.Cummings’ poetry and paintings, with a soundtrack by the late maestro Yakov Kreizberg.Dr.
Jane Goodall, the famous primatologist and anthropologist who passed away earlier this month, narrates and executive produces.Spanning many years, the short explores the profound connection that develops between “anyone” and “no one,” residents of a small town that becomes increasingly alienated and industrialized.Using 2D cel animation for the characters and backgrounds, which were painted multiple times to create a kinetic effect, the film blends modernist poetry, impressionistic illustrations, and a romantic poem.
“Honoring this aesthetic within a modern digital production pipeline presented technical challenges, but the result is a stunning, surprising piece where the artist’s hand is felt in every frame,” said Mary Nittolo, the STUDIO’s CCO.“It is a rare example of digital craft that manages to retain the warmth, irregularity, and humanity of traditional media.The film continues the STUDIO’s tradition of using the language of animation not only to craft beauty but give form to narratives that deepen our humanity.” The soundtrack is the final recording by Kreizberg’s father, Yakov Kreizberg.
“Using my late father’s final recording as the film’s musical and emotional foundation felt like a true collaboration together,” said Kreizberg.“The process has built a bridge to him across the seeming boundary between life and death, and this connection to his everlasting spirit will remain with me forever.It is the realization of an impossible dream, just as Cummings describes in the poem: ‘wish by spirit and if by yes.’ Watching the film, I feel Yakov in every frame, and I know audiences will too.” “I have long treasured this poem by E.E.
Cummings, which is magical, evocative and profoundly moving,” continued Kreizberg.“When I discovered the astonishing resonances between the poem and my father’s , and moreover encountered the poet’s own catalogue of paintings, an unjustly overlooked area of his life’s work, it became clear that this film was asking to be made.Ultimately, our story is about that which is everlasting: the lives we touch, the impact we have on the planet, and the legacies we leave behind.
Our titular character ‘anyone’ embodies the fundamental humanity found within any one of us, while our music celebrates the eternal spirit we all carry, one which yearns to soar and be free if only we will let it.” “For us, it was crucial that every movement onscreen carried a sense of humanity - that the characters would not only move, but also feel alive,” said Meinardas Valkevičius, Producer at Meinart.“Frame-by-frame animation makes this possible, because every gesture, every glance is touched by a human hand.Under the supervision of lead animator Gabija Visockaitė, and with Akvilė Bliujūtė-Janušė and I producing, the team focused on ensuring that every frame carried warmth, subtlety, and a deeply human touch.” An international USA-Lithuania co-production, was supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Princess Grace Foundation, the Société de Gestion des Auteurs Monaco, the Jane Goodall Institute, and the Alex Nair Bhak Foundation.
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
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