Studio’s latest animated theatrical short, about a raccoon whose frustrated parent tries to keep them both safe, will run alongside upcoming musical comedy, ‘Encanto,’ later in 2021.
Walt Disney Animation Studios has announced that its newest theatrical short, Far From the Tree, will make its world premiere at the 2021 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. The premiere screening will cap off the Festival’s 60th anniversary celebration program on Tuesday, June 15. This year’s festival runs from June 14-19
In the new film, curiosity gets the better of a young raccoon whose frustrated parent attempts to keep them both safe. The short will make its theatrical debut later this year alongside Disney Animation’s upcoming musical comedy, Encanto, which is directed by Byron Howard and Jared Bush, and features songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Far From the Tree is directed by Natalie Nourigat, who also directed the short film, Exchange Student, which was released in January 2020 with Disney Animation’s Short Circuit Experimental Films. Nourigat presented Exchange Student before the Annecy Festival audience in 2019.
Following the tradition of the Oscar-winning short Paperman and Oscar-nominated short Get A Horse! the Annecy Festival premiere of Far From the Tree marks a decades-long partnership between the Festival and Disney Animation.
“Annecy is such a special place for me,” shares Nourigat, “and I am thrilled to bring my second animated short film to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. While I wish I could be there to present Far From the Tree in person, I am honored to join the Festival on the virtual stage.”
Festival Artistic Director Marcel Jean adds, “For decades, Disney Animation’s continued support and enduring relationship with Annecy International Animation Film Festival has produced incredible experiences for our Festival attendees, and we’re looking forward to another exciting lineup of events with these acclaimed Disney filmmakers.”
On Wednesday, June 16, festival-goers can join Walt Disney Animation Studios’ chief creative officer Jennifer Lee, Kugali filmmakers Ziki Nelson, Hamid Ibrahim, and Tolu Olowofoyeku, WDAS VFX Supervisor Marlon West, and Head of Story Natalie Nourigat as they present a sneak peek at their first-of-its-kind animated series collaboration, Iwájú. This is the first time anywhere that the creative leadership of Kugali, a Pan-African comic book entertainment company, and Disney Animation will appear together. The all-original series comes to Disney+ in 2022.
Closing out the Annecy Festival on Saturday, June 19, will be a special screening of the Disney Animation theatrical short, Us Again, a poignant story told through dance and music, from director Zach Parrish (Puddles) featuring choreography by award-winning choreographers/dancers Keone and Mari Madrid (World of Dance) as well as a score by acclaimed composer Pinar Toprak (Captain Marvel). Set in a vibrant city pulsating with rhythm and movement, Us Again follows an elderly man and his young-at-heart wife as they rekindle their youthful passion for life and each other on one magical night. The short premiered in theaters alongside Disney Animation’s Raya and the Last Dragon earlier this year.
Other Annecy panels planned by Walt Disney Animation Studios:
Carried Away: Disney Animation's Approach to Story
Join Walt Disney Animation Studios' story artist Carrie Liao to hear about her journey to Disney and storyboarding on feature-length animated films such as Raya and the Last Dragon.
How To Make Your Portfolio Stand Out: A Virtual Coffee with Walt Disney Animation Studios
Join three Walt Disney Animation Studios artists and their artistic recruiters for a coffee chat and Q&A. Hear about their career journeys, how they approached creating their reels and portfolios, and ultimately, what stood out about their work to hiring leaders when they applied for their roles. You'll meet current and past Trainees as well as pro artists, and hear insights from the Disney Animation recruitment team. Speakers: Alessandra Rodriguez, Keneth Leoncito, Lior Lev, Erika Becerra, and Matt Roberts.
Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
