12/09/2022 - The International, Lithuanian Animation and Ukrainian Animation Competition awards and two out of three Special Mentions went to female filmmakers

If it was a year of female storytelling, then the 2022 edition of the BLON Animation and Games Festival (8-11 September, Klaipėda, Lithuania) stood as proof of it. The awards handed out to the short films during the ceremony on 10 September not only reflected the diverse and creative animation scene within Lithuania and around the world, but also how female perspectives make for captivating storytelling.

In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, one section of the programme was dedicated to Ukrainian animation. The jury, consisting of Edmunds Jansons from Latvia, Anders Narverud Moen from Norway and Rimantė Daugėlaitė from Lithuania, chose the short film Deep Water by Anna Dudko as their winner. Deep Water was hailed for organically telling a story with values, while also being “deep and internal”. The story follows a lonely mermaid, who likes to peek at humans through the water pipelines using magic. Dudko, who had to accept the award via video message, proclaimed that she was excited and thanked the festival for putting together a Ukrainian programme. “It means a lot.”

Ach So by Polina Piddubna was given a Special Mention for providing a “fresh concept”. Her short deals in the broadest sense with the pandemic and being locked away at home. Piddubna also thanked the jury and the festival for giving a voice to Ukrainians.

The Lithuanian Animation jury, Sabīne Andersone from Latvia, Hanne Berkaak from Norway and Sandra Brunkow Simonsen from Denmark, selected the short I Am Tired by Eva Rodz as their winner. It was “complete in every aspect”, balanced humour and feelings well, and while being deeply personal, it also had “a universal feel”. The film deals with a child’s disappointment but also unconditional love as they wait for their parent to return from work, who is then too exhausted for socialising time. Rodz was overwhelmed and lost for words, and repeatedly thanked the festival. “Can I hug you all?” she enquired.

A Special Mention was awarded to the Lithuanian-French-Croatian co-production Elena by Birutė Sodeikaitė, who dealt with the emotional drain of abortion in a fairy tale-like setting. An angel-like creature called Elena meets a charming red crane, but their encounter comes with consequences.

The international jury, Susanne Gottlieb from Austria, Guangli Liu from France and Ole Wendorf-Østergaard from Denmark, also awarded a female-helmed short film, Night of the Living Dread by British filmmaker Ida Melum. The film stood out for “crafting an intriguing inner story that was told with bravery and connecting with us individually on a personal level”. It follows a young woman through a dreadful night, in which she is confronted by cringeworthy former versions of herself and has to make peace with them. Melum conveyed via video message how this win meant a lot to her.

The Special Mention went to Lukas von Berg and his satirical effort Saint Android. The short was proclaimed a “sharp and serious satire, which tells its story without being smug or condescending”. In it, an old man has to grapple with robotic AI to help his wife pass on and is not amused by its commercialised output.

One final award from the Lithuanian Animation Association was given out to an artist in honour of his or her complete filmography. This year’s winner was Robertas Nevecka, an animator and co-founder of the Animation Studio Akis Bado. He thanked the festival for the “really beautiful award” and concluded that BLON was providing a real boost to Lithuanian animation.

Here is the complete list of award winners:

International Competition

Best Film
Night of the Living Dread – Ida Melum (UK) (short film)
Special Mention
Saint Android – Lukas von Berg (Germany) (short film)

Ukrainian Animation Competition

Best Film
Deep Water – Anna Dudko (Ukraine) (short film)
Special Mention
Ach so – Polina Piddubna (Ukraine) (short film)

Lithuanian Animation Competition

Best Film
I Am Tired – Eva Rodz (Lithuania) (short film)
Special Mention
Elena – Birutė Sodeikaitė (Lithuania/France/Croatia) (short film)

Award from the Lithuanian Animation Association
Robertas Nevecka