The OIAF integrates the 45th virtual edition with in-person screenings

The virtual Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) 2021, which this month marks the 45th anniversary edition, participate in person in the special screenings from 22 to 26 September at the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) in the Alma Duncan Salon. Ottawa's largest film festival and oldest animation event in North America shines the spotlight on two Canadian animation works that dig deep into the human condition by creating moments of reflection and discomfort.

In the wake of its acclaimed debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) it is the stop-motion film Meneath: Hidden Island of Ethics (Meneath: the hidden island of ethics). A tale of contrasts, Meneath brings the audience into the world of a young girl from Métis, who is confronted with the duality of her European and indigenous heritages.

“Lately, I've been obsessed with the new term 'code switching',” he said Meneath director Terril Calder, in his statement accompanying the film to the OAG. “My film… would try to hire him, in the form of a little girl. A little girl who has a secret voice in her head that helps her navigate the world like Métis. I'm letting the viewer in on that voice to help better understand a different value system. His journey is a story of healing, acceptance and reconciliation after a trauma ”.

A National Film Board of Canada film, Meneath not to be missed at the OIAF. Courtesy of Calder, the puppets used in the film will be on display at the OAG outside the Alma Duncan Salon. This is a rare opportunity to see these works in person.

Meneath at the OAG is the animated music video of "What the Walls Feel as They Stare at Rob Ford Sitting in His Office." (What the walls feel as they stare at Rob Ford sitting in his office) by Frank Horvat. Described as “Rob Ford's silent despair and confusion or something like that,” this animated work takes viewers into a space that some may be familiar with, the unsolved.

“I got the idea of ​​a two-dimensional grid of points, oscillating in different ways, but always linked to a flat surface below. He seemed to express various confused, seething and emerging emotions, but almost completely dampened by the same restraint that keeps the music calm and painful, ”explained director Guillaume Pelletier-Auger in his statement accompanying the film to the OAG.

Viewers can immerse themselves in the bewildering nature of Pelletier-Auger's work by watching the looped animated music video. Some may find that with each viewing they discover a new sensation, potentially a sense of comfort in the indefinite.

The public can watch these screenings in person at the OAG free of charge during normal hours from 10:00 to 18:00. EDT from 22 to 26 September; tickets are free.

Passes to join OIAF online range from $ 30 CAD for student passes and $ 60 CAD for regular passes. It is possible to buy single tickets or a package of 5 tickets to watch the festival screenings. Season tickets and tickets can be purchased on the OIAF website.

OIAF '21 takes place from 22 September to 3 October. www.animationfestival.ca