Italian Animated Short ‘Playing God’ Lands Oscar Shortlist – A Breakthrough for Italian Cinema
Bologna, Italy – December 21, 2023 – In a landmark achievement for Italian animation, ‘Playing God,’ a captivating stop-motion short film directed by Matteo Burani and produced by Studio Croma Animation, has been selected for the Academy Awards shortlist in the Best Animated Short Film category. This marks the first time an Italian animated short has reached this stage of the prestigious competition, signaling a potential turning point for the nation’s animation industry. This is breaking news for film enthusiasts and a significant win for independent cinema.
A Nine-Minute Masterpiece: The Story Behind ‘Playing God’
The nine-minute film delves into profound themes of fragility, belonging, and marginalization, portraying the story of clay sculptures brought to life in a stark laboratory, yearning for something beyond mere existence. ‘Playing God’ isn’t just visually stunning; it’s a deeply resonant exploration of the human condition. The film’s unique aesthetic, achieved through meticulous stop-motion animation, sets it apart and has garnered critical acclaim.
From Kickstarter to the Oscars: A Seven-Year Journey
The path to Oscar recognition wasn’t overnight. ‘Playing God’ originated on Kickstarter, where it caught the eye of French production company Autour de Minuit (known for their Oscar-winning work on ‘Logorama’). This led to crucial support from the CNC (French National Centre of Cinematography and the moving image) and, domestically, funding from the Emilia Romagna Film Commission and the Italian Ministry of Culture (MiC). This collaborative effort highlights the power of international partnerships in bringing creative visions to life. For Burani and Gheller, the shortlist inclusion is “recognition of the complex journey, which lasted seven years, motivated above all else by the desire to make cinema.”
Arianna Gheller: A One-Woman Animation Force
Remarkably, the animation for ‘Playing God’ was largely the work of a single artist, Arianna Gheller, who also served as a producer. This dedication and singular vision are a testament to the talent within the Italian animation scene. Gheller’s artistry is central to the film’s distinctive look and emotional impact. This is a story of passion and perseverance, proving that impactful storytelling doesn’t always require massive teams.
Critical Acclaim and Festival Success
Before its Oscar consideration, ‘Playing God’ premiered to enthusiastic reception at the Venice Film Festival’s International Critics’ Week, earning praise from celebrated Italian cartoonist Zerocalcare. The film continued its winning streak, securing the Best Animated Short award at the Nastri d’Argento (Silver Ribbons) and accolades at the Tribeca Film Festival and Animayo. Distributed in Italy by Sayonara Film and internationally by Autour de Minuit, ‘Playing God’ has clearly resonated with audiences and critics worldwide.
A New Generation of Italian Animators
Burani and Gheller emphasize that their achievement demonstrates that a young team choosing to build a career in Italy can compete on the global stage. “This pre-selection demonstrates that a team of thirty-year-olds who have chosen to build their career in Italy can fully aspire to compete with international animated cinema,” they stated. This sentiment is particularly significant, as it encourages aspiring animators to pursue their dreams within Italy, fostering a more vibrant and competitive domestic industry. This is a win not just for the filmmakers, but for the future of Italian animation.
Watch ‘Playing God’ for Free!
In a generous gesture to share their work and inspire others, Burani and Gheller are making ‘Playing God’ available to watch for free on YouTube from December 22nd to January 11th. They share Guillermo del Toro’s belief that “animation is a medium, not a genre,” and hope this increased visibility will encourage experimentation and innovation within the Italian animation community. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a truly remarkable film!
As the Academy prepares to announce the five finalists on January 22nd, with the awards ceremony scheduled for March 15th in Los Angeles, the world watches with anticipation. ‘Playing God’ has already made history, and its journey is a powerful reminder of the artistry, dedication, and collaborative spirit that drives the world of animation. Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates on the Oscars and the evolving landscape of independent film. This story is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and the enduring appeal of stop-motion animation, and we’ll continue to follow its progress with keen interest.
