Present-day fine art sees a revival of social commitment. The HAFF wants to initiate a discussion on this subject with a theme programme of committed animation films on various subjects via different media. The programme was set up with Gerrit van Dijk, who stood at the cradle of the HAFF and passed away in December 2012. The programme was initiated before his demise. He is a pioneer in this field, with a poetical film like Butterfly R.I.P. 1975 (1975), but also the more aggressive Jute films (1979).
Socially committed films are of all time and display a broad thematic palette, but also pre-eminently demonstrate the spirit of the times and have quite their own dynamics in storytelling. For example, animation film traditionally has strong ties with politics. Animation was frequently deployed to engage in politics, as a means of propaganda and also to express criticism. Animation provides an effective packaging. It can be concealing not to pose an immediate threat and entertaining to convey messages more easily. But also distinctly radical. In animation, filmmakers have everything in their own hands and with the Internet they have a hungry and potentially gigantic public within reach.
In a small apartment in Buenos Aires, an old woman eagerly awaits the birth of her grandchild and all the joys of becoming a grandmother. However, horrific circumstances mean that she will be forced to wait for over 30 years. Using real-life testimonials this animated-documentary raises issues of memory, repression and loss.
An indictment against the rapidly advancing urbanization. The film shows a butterfly in field that flies from one flower to the next. The pleasant scene is disrupted by cut-out pictures of blocks of apartments and flats that leap into view to the sound of a pile driver. The butterfly's end is inevitable.
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A woman writes a letter that will be read by a man in prison. A letter full of love, worry, compassion, suffering and hope.
Freedom for Jafar Panahi, and all imprisoned Iranian filmmakers.
Parallel montage between a car crash and hospital treatment. Questions of guilt and responsibility weigh down on Soho Eckstein.
An un-apologetic criticism of US foreign policy and The Project for the New American Century with a propaganda-esque style.
Kaboom Animation Festival is the one-stop-shop for the latest and greatest in all things animated. Ranging from cutting-edge experimental arthouse to colorful stories for families and kids, Kaboom will cater to the animation needs of all. Yes, even yours, my amazing weirdo friend!
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