Two diploma films nominated for the Student Academy Awards
We warmly congratulate the teams behind A SPARROW'S SONG and THE UNDYING PAIN OF EXISTENCE on their nominations for the Student Academy Awards!
Both films were developed and produced as diploma projects here at the Animationsinstitut – which makes it all the more exciting to see them gaining international recognition. These nominations are, above all, a major achievement for the teams and a special moment for us, having had the chance to support and follow their work over the past years.
Here’s a look at the exciting projects from our finalists.
A SPARROW'S SONG
Tobias Eckerlin's 3D-animated film A SPARROW'S SONG was inspired by a true story. It follows an elderly widow in the midst of World War II who struggles to overcome grief and rediscover joy in her life. Day by day, she serves as an air raid warden in the crowded shelters, witnessing the suffering of children and others. One morning, she finds a dying sparrow and hopes to save its fragile life. As the sparrow gradually heals, a bond grows between them, and the bird begins to respond to her piano playing—a shared language that builds a bridge. During bombing raids, she carries the sparrow to the shelters, where she plays the piano, and the sparrow sings its song to comfort the children and offer hope to those around her. Through this newfound purpose and unexpected alliance, her life begins to change.
Learn more about the project and find its full credits here.
THE UNDYING PAIN OF EXISTENCE
In the UNDYING PAIN OF EXISTENCE, written and directed by Oscar Jacobson, a nude model is posing with statuesque stillness for an elite drawing class – until an unfortunate mosquito bite challenges his self-control. Driven to madness by the itch, he’s caught between the ruthless demand for perfection and his most unhinged, animalistic impulses.
Learn more about the project and find its full credit list here.
Honourable Mention
A big round of applause also goes to the team behind POLLIWOG: Their diploma film made it to the semifinals of the Student Academy Awards – a strong achievement and a clear sign of the dedication, skill, and passion that went into the project.
We’re thrilled to see their work being recognized and proud to have accompanied them on this journey!
POLLIWOG
In Julia Skala's diploma film POLLIWOG ten year old Marlene is struggling with her early pubescent, changing body while on a forest home trip with her classmates. She feels ashamed of her boobs growing. Therefore, she avoids to shower with the other girls and hides her evolving body under large sweatshirts. When the other kids start making fun of an oddly developed tadpole at the forest home museum, Marlene is weirdly identifying with it and decides to set it free.
Learn more about the project and find its full credits here.
