Animation – USA / European Première

Showing @ Festival Theatre, Wed 30 Jun @ 20.15

Enrico Casarosa / USA / 2011 / 7 min

Many films tell us of traditions which come into conflict with new practices. It’s probably one of the most common themes of any fairytale, folkloric poem or children’s book. Seldom are they told with such clarity, beauty and wondrousness however, as storyboard artist Enrico Casarosa’s (Ratatouille, Up) seven minute animation is. It follows a young Bambino who’s taken to work for the first time by his Papá and Nonno, as for tonight, he is to sweep falling stars off the moon.

Casarosa’s film couldn’t be pitched any more delicately, with a pensively tender, almost lullaby-like, soundtrack, full of pinging golden stars hurtling through the solar sky. This is a truly gorgeous coming-of-age tale, shaded with dashes of comedy as our little hero is to decide which brush to use, and how best to use it. It comes as no surprise that Pixar are once again behind this, retaining the core magic of their superlative animation twinned with an outstanding knack for warmhearted storytelling. This short will no doubt cause some teary-eyed admiration for the level of detail, colour and sheer thoughtfulness which has gone into the production. If you have a chance to see this on the silver screen at some point, it could make your year.