Events/Press Release:The Montreal Stop Motion Film Festival Unveils the official line-up of its 3rd edition

October 21, 22 and 23, 2011
Montreal, October 11, 2011 – The third Montreal Stop Motion Film Festival is proud to announce the release of its official program for 2011. This year, the Festival will be taking place on October 21, 22, and 23, in the J.A. de Sève Theater at Concordia University (1453 Mackay Street, Montreal).
The festival caught the attention of the international film community when it first launched in 2009, and audiences are still discovering the incredible talent of the artists who work in this mysterious art form. This year, the festival will host a special technical panel to reveal just some of the secrets behind Stop Motion Animation. The panel will include two guests’ speakers who will provide a unique “insider’s” perspective. This year’s program has something for everyone. Along with the official film selection, conferences, and guest artists, the festival is also offering a free family screening, hands-on pods presented by Mega Bloks, and a special retrospective on “Stop Motion at the OSCARS®” that will allow audiences to discover films from the past that are
rarely seen on the big screen.
Opening Night: Special guest speaker PETER SAUNDERS
Friday October 21 – 7:30 p.m.
The festival is delighted to welcome Peter Saunders of the UK’s Mackinnon and Saunders. With its world-renowned reputation, Mackinnon and Saunders has created some of the most well-known and recognizable puppets today. From THE FANTASTIC MR. FOX to BOB THE BUILDER, Mackinnon and Saunders’s work is loved by children of all ages. Peter will be speaking about his company as well as several of the production he is working on. Victor, the main character of 2005’s CORPSE BRIDE, will accompany him. (www.mackinnonandsaunders.com)
THE OFFICIAL FILM SELECTION
More than sixty Stop Motion films from twenty countries will be presented on the big screen. The jury will select a winner for each of the four competition categories:
Academic films: Saturday October 22 – 1:00 p.m. (PG-13)
Independent films: Saturday October 22 – 9:00 p.m. (PG-13)
Professional films 1: Sunday October 23 – 4:00 p.m. (PG-13)
Professional films 2: Sunday October 23 – 7:30 p.m. (PG-13)
This year, the jury consists of three members of the arts community: Peter Saunders, Normand Rompré and Jean Théberge. The winners will be announced on Sunday evening at the closing night of the festival.
OTHER ACTIVITIES NOT TO BE MISSED
Special presentation: Stop Motion Pro with PAUL HOWELL
Saturday October 22 – 4:00 p.m.
Australia’s Paul Howell, co-founder of Stop Motion Pro, will present his software used on several stop motion productions, including WALLACE AND GROMIT – A MATTER OF LOAF AND DEATH, MARY AND MAX and PIRATES, the new feature film from Aardman due out in 2012. With a brief overview of SMP and how it got started, Paul will present clips from various users to illustrate how technology—regardless of an artist’s skill level—can be used to tell a story and create compelling characters.
New this year! Hands on with Stop Motion Pro presented by Mega Bloks
Sunday October 23 – 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
The festival will have a “hands on” section on Sunday, October 23rd where animators can get better acquainted with the Stop Motion Pro software while animating construction toys from Mega Bloks. With animators on site, artists and enthusiasts will be able to try their hands at stop motion animation.
STOP MOTION AT THE OSCARS®, with award winner Co Hoedeman
The festival is proud to announce this anthology of the best Stop Motion animated films that were nominated at the OSCARS®. M. Co Hoedeman, ACADEMY AWARD® Winner for his 1977 film THE SAND CASTLE will be present. The festival has gathered a unique line up of 12 films to be presented in two sessions.
SESSION #1: Saturday October 22 – 7:00 p.m.
The Sand Castle (Co Hoedeman, 1977), Tulips Shall Grow (George Pal, 1942), The Sandman (Paul Berry, 1991), Screen Play (Barry Purves, 1993), Harvie Krumpet (Adam Elliot, 2003)
SESSION #2: Sunday October 23 –1:00 p.m.
Das Rad (Chris Stenner, Arvid Uibel and Heidi Wittlinger, 2003), The Big Story (David Stoten and Tim Watts, 1994), The Periwig-Maker (Steffen and Annette Schäffler, 2000), Canhead (Timothy Hittle, 1996), More (Mark Osborne and Steven B. Kalafer, 1998), The Wrong Trousers (Nick Park, 1993)
FREE SCREENING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY presented by Mega Bloks
Sunday October 23 – 11:00 a.m.
The festival is holding one free family screening. The whole family will have the opportunity to enjoy stop motion animation from around the world.
TICKETING
• Adults: $10 per session
• Child (12 years and under): $5 per session
• VIP Pass: $50
The VIP Pass, that gives access to all sessions, is now on sale at www.LaVitrine.com in limited quantity. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door before each screening.
3rd MONTREAL STOP MOTION FILM FESTIVAL – OCTOBER 21, 22 & 23
For more information, visit our website: www.stopmotionmontreal.com
The official festival trailer is now available online.
The Montreal Stop Motion film Festival celebrates the talents of all stop motion artists. The festival is an initiative of Erik H. Goulet, director of the festival and teacher in the animation department at Concordia University since 2001.