Anifilm at 25: myths, Japanese animation highlights, and Prince of Persia creator
The annual Anifilm International Festival of Animated Films kicks off on May 5 in the North Bohemian city of Liberec. This year’s programme features more than 500 animated films and games, alongside exhibitions, talks and other accompanying events. I spoke with programme coordinator Radek Hosenseidl and began by asking him about this year’s main theme, which is myths and legends.
"We have been thinking about working on this theme for some time because when we look back to the very beginning of film and animation, there are many films that were based on myths and old stories such as The Adventures of Prince Achmed or The White Snake Enchantress.
"These are feature films from way before modern animation was born, so there are many interpretations of old myths, some funny, some very true to the original. They are all very interesting, and we are still coming up with new ones today. So it's a long history and there's a lot to show."
A quarter of a century is a big milestone. Alongside moving the festival's main centre, what else is new this year? Anything visitors should definitely keep an eye out for?
"Yes. This year the accreditation centre is moved to Café Pošta, but we also have two more venues that are interesting and important for visitors to go to.
"It's the former factory of Linserka, where we have the video game programme, so visitors can even play the video games in the competition. There is also the venue of the Malý západ studio, which is focused mainly on programmes for children. So if you have children, you are very welcome to go there."
In the feature film competition, Japan has the strongest representation this year. Could you mention at least a few films our listeners shouldn't miss?
"We actually have three Japanese films in the main competition: Jinsei, ChaO, and All You Need Is Kill.
"All You Need Is Kill is very action-packed, while Chao is very funny and more for teenagers, and Jinsei is more meditative but also very interesting and slower in pace.
"Other important or interesting films include Little Amélie, which is a film for children. It's made from the point of view of a small child, so it's very unique. And we also have a Chinese film, A Story About Fire, which is made in ink and brings a very traditional touch to the big screen."
One of the special guests is Jordan Mechner, the creator of the iconic game Prince of Persia. What can audiences look forward to in his talks, and what makes his work so influential?
"I'm very glad that Jordan Mechner has made it to Anifilm. His work is very important because he made video games look more realistic. He used rotoscoping, so all the movements were much smoother than before, and this is one of the many things he's contributed.
"The game is going to be presented at two events. One of them is a masterclass he’s going to give, and there’s also going to be an interview by Pavel Dobrovský. So please keep an eye on these two events."
The programme also features a newly restored version of The Sorcerer's Apprentice by Karel Zeman. Why is it worth experiencing this film again, especially in a cinema setting?
"Exactly as you've already mentioned, it is the restored version of the film, so the visuals really pop. It's really great to see it on the big screen.
"It also suits the theme of this year's Anifilm very well because it's based on an old legend told by a writer from the region who was born in Liberec, so it's also tied to this area. I hope that visitors not only from this region but from other parts of the country as well will enjoy this."
And finally, on a more personal note, what are you most excited about at this year's festival? What are you most looking forward to?
"Well, I'm very glad that we've managed to bring three films by Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon—Wolfwalkers, The Secret of Kells, and Song of the Sea.
"We are also having an exhibition that shows how these films were made. It's in the Lázně Gallery.
"I'm also very glad that we are showing a film called The White Snake Enchantress, which is the first feature animated film in Japan, made in 1958, I think. It was a great inspiration even for such big masters of animation as Hayao Miyazaki, so it's really worth a watch."
