A debut short film from the UK premiers at the Montreal International Animation Film Festival and credits the festival’s contribution as final push that led to the film’s completion. BBC England has helped the UK short film go viral after featuring the young filmmaker in one of their daily news shows.
Ms. Ruth Coggins, a first time filmmaker created a film about her great grandfather’s exploits in WWI on a 500 EURO budget. She began with modeling a figurine of her great grandfather, constructed the set, shot and narrated the animation resulting in an impressive debut film which would make a big studio proud. So much so that UK based Aardman Studios of Wallace and Gromit fame invited Coggins to their studio after seeing her film.
Coggins thanks MIAFF festival director and CEO, Ms. Laurie Gordon for giving her a push to complete the film. Gordon comments that she saw a few stills on the social media Twitter website and become smitten by the powerful aesthetic. “The style of Ms. Coggins’ it’s sepia tones is a film which lends authenticity to the subject matter. “MIAFF provides a showcase for newcomers to animation– people whose passion to tell a story and to make a film, leads them to do it.” With A War to End No Wars, it is clear how far passion can go, in having a top notch [animation] film made with enthusiasm despite a small budget.”
In an interview with the BBC, Cambridgeshire-based Ms. Coggins, acknowledged Gordon’s key role in having her film gain such a groundswell of popularity. Noting the BBC’s recognition of MIAFF’s importance, Gordon said, “I am flattered at the standing the BBC has given MIAFF. More importantly, I am delighted that MIAFF can give Ms. Coggins’ and other talented, passion-driven directors an opportunity to showcase their talent and tell their stories. It is such a wonderful human gift.”
In addition to helping to launch new films by young filmmakers go viral including the PIXAR style In A Heartbeat created by two young Florida based animation students of a boy fearful of a closeted boy being outed has received over 25,500,000 views since July 31st.
MIAFF will present the latest innovations in virtual reality that have medical applications, such as helping to restore brain functionality after trauma. “Animation is more comprehensive and useful and goes beyond being an art form or a source of entertainment”, says Gordon. I want MIAFF to reflect that reality and I’m happy MIAFF can provide the broader community with the opportunity to witness, if not experience, the numerous benefits and applications of all forms of animation.”
“I hope that works such as War to End No Wars, together with our other stellar programming will benefit the broader community.”
For more information please email or call Martin I. Petrov: martin@lemiaff.com / 514-260-0848
Or Kenneth Fernandez on 438-878-1699
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