Key Facts
Italian director Stefano Bertelli premieres his feature debut 'Spacetime Chronicles' at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. The 71-minute papercraft stop-motion film is part of the Contrechamps selection and is represented by Paris-based Urban Sales.
Director's Background
Bertelli, known for music videos for artists like Eminem, Pink Floyd, and Robbie Williams, has spent over a decade perfecting paper-based animation. He describes 'Spacetime Chronicles' as a deeply personal project, moving away from commissioned work.
Film Synopsis
The film follows Fred, a man suspended between reality and dreamspace, guided by a cat that acts as his conscience. Annecy artistic director Marcel Jean praised its surrealist style and DIY approach, comparing it to Michel Gondry's work and calling it 'a genuine technical masterpiece.'
Technical Approach
Bertelli chose paper for its fragility, reflecting the instability of characters and themes like memory and identity. The film uses bricolage techniques, with sets built from thousands of sheets of paper. Key collaborator Riccardo Orlandi helped construct complex environments with hidden mechanical systems.
Production Details
The film took four to five months of intermittent work. Bertelli estimates using several thousand sheets of 100x70 cm paper. Explosions were achieved with extreme slow motion, and scenes inside an overturning airplane are highlighted for their realistic light and shadow.
Audience Reception
Bertelli recalls an anonymous screening in Brussels where a viewer gave the film a perfect 10/10 rating, affirming his desire for unfiltered feedback.
What Readers Should Know
- 'Spacetime Chronicles' is Bertelli's first feature-length film, though he previously directed a paper-animated feature he considers a test project.
- The film evolved from a music video for Camel Power Club, expanding from a short to a feature without a complete screenplay initially.
- Bertelli emphasizes animation as a medium for freedom, allowing ideas that live-action budgets couldn't support.
FAQ
What is 'Spacetime Chronicles' about?
It's a 71-minute papercraft stop-motion film following Fred, a man lost in limbo guided by a cat representing his conscience.
Who directed 'Spacetime Chronicles'?
Italian director Stefano Bertelli, known for music videos and paper-based animation.
What technique was used for the film?
Papercraft stop-motion, using paper sets and characters to create a fragile, dreamlike world.
Where was 'Spacetime Chronicles' premiered?
At the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in the Contrechamps selection.
Source: variety.com