Dear Basketball - Glen Keane, U.S.
Bossier Parish Community College’s Division of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences is delighted to host the ANIMATION SHOW OF SHOWS, a collection of global award winning animated short films produced by Acme Filmworks, Inc. This event brings together 16 exceptional animated shorts from around the world, presenting a unique collection of thought-provoking films.
The screening will take place on Jan. 26 in the Stephen W. Slaughter Theatre in Building C on the BPCC Campus, 6220 East Texas Street, Bossier City. The screening will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. with light refreshments served at 6:00 p.m. A virtual talk back session with the film director(s) will take place immediately following the viewing.
“We wanted to bring back this experience to Shreveport-Bossier City to expand people’s perception of what animation is,” said Lauren Turner, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design and Animation. “It’s art in motion, and we hope this screening affords people the opportunity to explore animation as an artistic medium that goes beyond what we normally see from mainstream animation companies.”
In the midst of increasing social instability and global anxiety, this year's ANIMATION SHOW OF SHOWS holds a special resonance. The selected animated shorts offer compelling ideas about our place in society and our connection to the world. Founder and curator Ron Diamond notes, "Animation is a natural medium for dealing with abstract ideas and existential concerns, and this year's program truly expresses deeply felt issues in our own country and around the world."
Highlighted films include Niki Lindroth von Bahr’s Annecy Grand Prix-winning “The Burden,” a melancholy, funny, and moving exploration of the tribulations, hopes, and dreams of night-shift employees. Additionally, David OReilly’s playful and profound “Everything” delves into the interconnectedness of the universe and the multiplicity of perspectives that underlie reality.
The 16 animated short films cover a diverse range of topics and styles, presenting a total runtime of 92 minutes and 11 seconds. The lineup includes films from France, Belgium, the U.S., UK, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, and Sweden, showcasing the global nature of contemporary animation.
One of the most relevant films in the show is the 50-year-old short "Hangman," restored by The ANIMATION SHOW OF SHOWS. The film, based on a poem by Maurice Ogden, explores themes of injustice and personal responsibility, offering a poignant tale of a town facing systematic execution due to residents' silence.
Program highlights also feature “Dear Basketball” by Glen Keane, animating a poem by Kobe Bryant; Pete Docter’s 1990 CalArts student film “Next Door”; and “Casino,” the latest film from director Steven Woloshen, known for creating award-winning experimental films by drawing directly on film stock.
The 19th ANIMATION SHOW OF SHOWS represents the work of artists from eight countries, including nine women. With its blend of humor, emotion, engagement, and thought-provoking content, the ANIMATION SHOW OF SHOWS provides a remarkable and insightful microcosm of our world.
This is a rare opportunity to experience these animations, as they aren't typically presented in the mass media circuit. Admission is free, and refreshments will be available starting at 6:00 p.m. Join us at BPCC for an evening of cinematic artistry that captures the essence of contemporary animation on January 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Stephen W. Slaughter Theatre.
Watch the preview on YouTube.