Oscars: Hungary Selects Climate Change Animation ‘Four Souls Of Coyote’ For International Film Category
Hungary has selected Annecy-winning title Four Souls of Coyote as its official entry for the International Oscar race this year.
The 2D animation, which is Áron Gauder and produced by Réka Temple’s Cinemon Ent., is a retelling of the Native American creation myths whilst also reflecting on present day. The project explores issues of climate crisis when a company and the natives come face to face over the laying of oil pipelines. The community protests for its home and recalls the creation story and through the adventures of the mythical Coyote, which brings the wisdom of the indigenous people close to the audience and shows that it is easier to shape the future in the right direction by listening to the experiences of the past.
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Four Souls of Coyote premiered at Annecy in the main competition this summer, where it was given the Jury Award and went on to win further accolades including Shanghai fest’s Best Animated Film, Arizona fest’s Special Prize and New Media Film Festival’s Grand Prix.
Gauder said: “We wanted to show the aspects of creation and existence that are less known to Europeans. The film warns that man is a fallible creature who has responsibility for other creatures too. We cannot consume limitlessly, we must also keep our desires in check because if we do not, then the created world will be at risk of destruction.”
Temple added: “Having conducted profound research, we felt the responsibility to indigenous culture and wanted every bit of the film remain authentic and reflect our respect. The film’s message aims to be as inclusive as possible, inviting all of creation into the circle of dialogue, of cooperation. We know that our film is a statement, not in any way an attack on any government policy it is much more an ode to nature and to the wisdom of tribal people.”
The film contains themes from Native American female artists including Ulali, Mariee Siou, Joanne Shenandoah, which are all incorporated into the changing moods of the film.
Goodfellas is selling worldwide rights to the title.
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