The 19th ANNUAL ANIMATION SHOW OF SHOWS presents 16 exceptional animated shorts from around the world. At a time of increasing social instability and global anxiety, the works have a special resonance, presenting compelling ideas about our place in society and the world. “Because animation is such a natural medium for dealing with abstract ideas and existential concerns, the ANIMATION SHOW OF SHOWS has always included a number of thoughtful and engaging films,” says curator Ron Diamond. “However, this program really offers contemporary animation that expresses deeply felt issues in our own country and around the world.” These films include Niki Lindroth von Bahr’s Annecy Grand Prix-winning “The Burden,” a melancholy yet funny film that explores the tribulations and dreams of night-shift employees. At the other end, David OReilly’s profound “Everything,” based on the work of the philosopher Alan Watts, explores the interconnectedness of the universe and multiplicity of perspectives.
Ron Diamond founded Acme Filmworks in 1990 to produce compelling advertisements, music videos, short films, television programs and features by animators. Their directorial roster is a who's who of international independent animation, as well as producing award-winning campaigns for clients such as Levi's, Hilton Hotels, Charmin, AT&T, and United Airlines. Acme also produced the Academy Award nominated short Nibbles (2003) by Chris Hinton, two shorts films for Liberty Mutual's Responsibility Project with Janet Perlman and Jeremy Clapin, and the animated feature film Drawn From Memory (1995) directed by Paul Fierlinger. Since 1998, Ron has produced The Animation Show of Shows, selecting the best in animated short films from the world’s most renowned animation festivals. Screenings at major studios such as DreamWorks, Pixar, Disney, and many others throughout North America have served to inspire and enrich the many professionals who have been lucky enough to see them.
* Ron Diamond will be joining us in Brookens Auditorium on the “big screen” via Zoom to present this lecture and will participate in a live discussion after the presentation.
