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Preview Selection of Shortlisted Films for BAA 2010 European Feature Film Category

Check out new animated feature films

Recent developments in animated features in Europe suggest a dramatic widening of scope, styles and subjects beyond the traditional Hollywood models, and such films are finding an increasingly responsive adult audience and critical acclaim. Films such as Persepolis, Fears of the Dark, Kirikou, Arthur and the Invisibles demonstrate the diversity and power of different graphic styles and techniques emerging from Europe.
In association with the British Animation Award’s Best European Animated Feature Film category, the winner to be announced in April, here is an opportunity to preview some of the shortlisted films, screening at the BFI Southbank.

LASCARS (Round da Way)

Mon 1 Mar 20:40 NFT2
Sat 6 Mar 16:10 NFT2

Dir: Emmanuel Klotz & Albert Pereira-Lazaro. France 2009 English sub-titles. 91 mins

A Cannes Critics’ Week pick and domestic smash hit, this raunchy hip-hop saga of sex’n’drugs’n’rock’n’rap takes a more comedic swipe at the infamous French banlieues than that of La Haine , whose star Vincent Cassell also features as lead voice talent. Fast-paced, action-packed, satirical yet tender towards its cast of wannabe homies, the film’s stylised 2-D characters and richly textured 3-D backgrounds have a graffiti, comic-book feel; ‘animation is aces throughout’ - Variety. Book Tickets via BFI

Panique au village/A Town Called Panic

Wed 10 Mar 20:40 NFT2
Sat 13 Mar 18:10 NFT3 Check With BFI

Dir: Stephane Aubier & Vincent Patar. Belgium/ France/Luxembourg, 2008. English sub-titles. 74 mins.

‘This stop-motion animation proves you don't need fancy CGI techniques, 3-D, or stunt voice casting to make a sparkly little gem. A surreal adventure with plasticine pals Cowboy, Indian and Horse involving piano lessons, tractors, and mechanical penguins. Distinctly offbeat and European in its sensibility…offering a distinctive blend of whimsy, slapstick violence and manic energy’- Variety. The filmmakers (aka Pic Pic André) might already be familiar to some viewers for their cult TV series of the same name, and commercials for Cravendale milk, also ‘starring’ plasticine farmyard animals. Book Tickets via BFI

The Secret of Kells

Sat 13 March 14:10 NFT3
Sun 14 March 16:00 NFT2

Dir Tomm Moore. Ireland 2009. 75min.

This vibrant animation is a spirited retelling of the provenance of Ireland's most cherished artefact, the Book of Kells. With the Viking hordes approaching, the monks of Kells are forced to turn their attention from transcribing manuscripts to building barricades. The future of the precious book is in jeopardy and falls to Brendan, young nephew of the abbot Cellach, to save the day. With war-hungry Vikings and a serpent god standing in his way, Brendan is forced to confront his worst fears with the help of a fairy wolf-girl named Aisling. Visually stunning, with a design aesthetic that draws on both the decorative style of the illuminated manuscript and a savvy use of Japanese anime stylisation for its female protagonist. Nominated for this year’s Oscars in the Best Animated Feature category. Book Tickets via BFI

Mia et le Migou/Mia and the Migou

Sat 6 Jan 14:00 NFT2
Sun 7 Mar 16:00 NFT2

Dir Jacques-Remy Girerd. France 2008. 88 mins

Mia is a determined and good natured girl who sets out to find her father, trapped in a vast and beautiful forest. En route, she meets the Migou, creatures who protect a special tree that holds the key to the balance of life. The tree is under threat and Mia must do her best to save it. Jaqcques-Remy Girerd's beautifully animated film doesn’t shy away from delivering a strong environmental message but does so with a good sense of humour. Winner of the European Film Academy’s Best Animated Feature, this was the director and studio Folimage’s second feature, following Raining Cats and Dog. Book Tickets via BFI