International Film Festival For Children And Youth Zlin

 Gunnar Karlsson, Self Portrait

Iceland has had a rough patch of late.....first there was the economic collapse that threatened to engulf its European neighbors and then was the volcanic ash that did just that (and continues to be a major problem for air travel). But as a corrective, the films championed by Iceland are a reminder of that island nation's special geography, culture and allure.

At this year's Zlin Film Festival, award-winning animator and visual designer Gunnar Karlsson will be one of the Festival's guests for its 50th anniversary celebrations. Karlsson has had his short films shown at the Festival several times, including his celebrated animated film ANNA AND THE MOODS.

The film, released in 2007, is a computer animation designed by the Icelandic digiital design and animation company CAOZ in Reykjavik. The voice of the main character Anna is performed by singer/songwriter Bjork. Terry Jones of Monty Python fame is the narrator. The film created by the Academy Award nominated script-writer and lyricist Sjon, and features music composed by Julian Nott and performed by the Brodsky Quartet. The film won the Edda Award (the Icelandic Oscar) as Best Short Film of the Year, an honor Karlsson also won five years earlier with the film LITLA LIRFAN LJOTA. 

For more information on this exceptional illustrator and animation wizard, and to view his most recent works, visit his website: www.gunnarkarlsson.com

Sandy Mandelberger, Festival Dailies Editor