A single picture is worth a thousand words, so mark your calendars: Friday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 2, it’s the 12th annual Animation Block Party, the East Coast’s premier animation festival, presented by BAMcinematek.
In reviewing this years’ entries, the focus will be on acknowledging animation works past and present, and that includes showcasing the 20th anniversary screening of Mamoru Oshii’s landmark sci-fi tale “Ghost in the Shell,” the “JibJab 15th Anniversary Showcase” featuring presidential rap battles and a peek into the “now” includes a year in review of YouTube hits.
Everyone knows the large, yellow bird who strolled Sesame Street, right? In a bow to nostalgic, heart-tugging memories, check out “Sesame Slam: A Retrospective on Sesame Street Animations,” which pairs Sesame classics with modern sketches from the legendary educational program.
In a preview of new talent, may I suggest that you pay special attention to the works of Joanne Lin, “Saturday” (RISD); Julia Glassman, “Almost There” (Mass Art); Kevin Temmer, “Aloha Hohe” (Ringling); Heather Collins, “The Walker” (MICA), Beth Wollman, “Fishing Trip” (CCAD), and Brendan Kirschbaum, “Brewed Awakening” (RIT).
Also highlighted in the press release at the festival are the “Best of Eyeworks Animation,” a selection of abstract, unconventional character animations culled from the past five Eyeworks showcases in Chicago; Tom Stathes’ “Cartoons on Film,” a program that finds cartoon historian extraordinaire Stathes bringing risque “pre-code” cartoons back to the big screen; and Arna Selznick’s sunshiny adventure “The Care Bears Movie” (1985), which follows the beloved rainbow-colored plush bears on their quest to save the world, screening in 35mm. Animation Block Party is produced and curated by Casey Safron.
For complete BAMcinématek film descriptions, visit BAM.org/AnimationBlockParty.