The Stories We Tell 14+

Duration: 1h 6m

This unique presentation of several fascinating stop motion animations, which have participated in StopTrik IFF competitions over the years, centers on the question of narrativity in animation. Stop motion, especially puppet animation, often leans toward storytelling that follows recognizable narrative arcs and develops linearly, adhering to the ever-engaging, classical three-act dramaturgical structure.
At the same time, it is the animated form itself that invites captivating metamorphoses, resulting in the most unexpected twists, turns, and tensions. Animation’s narrativity readily embraces storytelling that celebrates nuance, ambivalence, poetry, and absurdity.
The presented programme features seven contemporary works created in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (with the exception of the film SOWING, made in Germany by Belarus-born animator Maryna Miliushchanka). Employing diverse storytelling approaches, these films explore themes and motifs that deeply resonate with the cultural heritage of the region. Whether through twisted folktales, modernist discourses from the pre-World War I era, or contemporary reflections on the kinship between human and non-human beings, they all share a distinct sense of irony and a touch of eeriness.

CRAB - Poland-France, 2022, 8’42, Regia: Piotr Chmielewski

THREE BIRDS - Slovenia-Croatia, 2024, 8’18, Regia: Zarja Menart

THE FAMILY PORTRAIT - Croatia-France-Serbia, 2023, 14’, Regia: Lea Vidaković

SUCH MIRACLES DO HAPPEN - Poland, 2022, 14’, Regia: Barbara Rupik

SHALLOW VEIN - Bulgaria, 2019, 6’23, Regia: Yoana Alexandrova 

SOWING - Germaniy, 2018, 7’24, Regia: Maryna Miliushchanka

PLANTARIUM - Poland, 2020, 7’, Regia: Tomasz Ducki