Best UK Graduate Award Shortlist

Below are the shortlisted entries for the Best UK Graduate Animation Award and comments from the category juror Suzie Templeton.

Little Samurai
Sarah Davies
University of Glamorgan

Little Samurai is the opening adventure of a Samurai and his steed and companion. Yuu, a goose with an attitude. After a difficult start, Little Samurai and Yuu form a friendship and partnership that will lead them both into trouble and adventure.

“Little Samurai stands out for its striking and attractive design. It has a most unusual and mysterious story and overall is a very enjoyable and accomplished film.”

Unorganized Crime
Charlie Miller, Daisy Hynes, Dave Winn, Coustantinos Mavromichalis & Sophie Grimwood
UWE Bristol of Animation

A classic 1940’s heist in which the audience follows a gangster’s comedic escape from a bank robbery. It sees a ridiculous chase through an American city while the gangster tries to deal with his severe sleeping disorder.

“Unorganised Crime is pacy, fun and well-timed. The story-telling is concise and it is very well edited.”

Garden Galaxies
Bumpy Box
University of Glamorgan

Garden Galaxies follows the adventures of a group of alien friends who travel from outer space to find the perfect place for a picnic. When they land in a small garden on Earth they discover it’s the most beautiful and magical galaxy they have ever seen.

“Garden Galaxies is refreshing and well-focused. There are some very charming moments, particularly when one of the CG characters interacts with a live snail.”

Day 83
Joseph O’Connor & Aled Matthews
University of Glamorgan

This short sci-fi film follows a soldier during a losing battle for earth against a relentless and merciless alien force. The soldier forces makes a last ditch effort to change the tide of the war as he fights for his life.

“Day 83 is an ambitious, impressive project. I hope it takes the film-makers where they want to go.”

The Man Who was Afraid of Falling
Joseph Wallace & Emma-Rose Dade
Newport Film School

Ivor’s life is turned upside down after falling plant pot sparks a series of paranoid reactions.

“The Man Who was Afraid of Falling is an enjoyable, sweet and touching story, very charmingly told in stop-motion.”

Overview

“Overall, I was very impressed by the range and diversity of the work, both in technique and content. Many of the films were extremely charming and quirky, some were moving, and the whole selection was most enjoyable to watch. I wholeheartedly wish all the best of luck to these filmmakers and look forward to seeing more of their work in the future.”