Animation Lockdown: WHIPLASH Edition Awards!

2023 QAS Animation Lockdown WHIPLASH Jury Statement

Congratulations to all the Animation Lockdown participants. On behalf of the jury, I can say that we had an amazing time watching your work. We laughed, we smiled, we were impressed, and we were moved. As a fellow filmmaker, I was personally inspired. Many of my peers have either left the practice or are in the pursuit of commercial success. I’ve also been caught up in the financial and marketing aspects of filmmaking - watching all of your pieces brought me right back to the real point of it all: art making. The films of this Lockdown are a potent example of that magic and mystery of art, community, and collective focus. Thank you and we are so excited to see what comes next for you all.

-By Gillian Mckercher on behalf of the 2023 QAS Animation Lockdown Jury

JURY SPECIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING FILM

Perhaps Never by Maedeh Mosaverzadeh was an absolute standout in the collection of wonderful films we had to view as the jury. It was pretty much a unanimous agreement that as a piece, Perhaps Never held both a level of technical mastery as well as a level of emotional power that made it deserving of the top honour at this year’s Quickdraw Animation Society’s Lockdown competition. As a piece of visual storytelling, Perhaps Never is a richly cinematic narrative that is majestic and graceful in its form but is also deeply poignant and poetic in its exploration and reflection of the humanity that is central in its brief but beautiful journey. The jury is happy to award Maedeh Mosaverzadeh the top prize for their work, and we're looking forward to the Artist’s future creative endeavours in what we sense to be a very promising career. Bravo.

By Beric Manywounds on behalf of the 2023 QAS Animation Lockdown Jury

DAVE RATZLAFF BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM AWARD (SPONSORED BY CAOS)

Kalayaan by Daniel Volante is an impressive student film that has garnered recognition from this exceptional jury. Despite being produced in one weekend, the film showcases remarkable qualities that engage viewers. With its imaginative world-building, the film transports viewers to a captivating story of a biker that sparks curiosity. The intense mood of the film, along with the guitar riffs, adds to its charm, with glowing visors, immersive textures, and stunning abstract rendering in each frame. There is always something to captivate you and make you wonder what’s next, while showcasing this upcoming filmmaker's creativity and technical skills. But what truly makes the film special is its experimental storytelling and exploration of possibilities. "Kalayaan" is a true testament that deserves the Dave Ratzlaff Experimental award for the talent and potential found in emerging filmmakers.

By Jon-Jon Atienza on behalf of the 2023 QAS Animation Lockdown Jury

JURY BEST USE OF TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS AWARD

Cup of Joe by Dylon Klemen-Hurrell is technically amazing - the jury was blown away that this tight, seamless, and unhinged film was made in just a weekend. He accomplished all of the Lockdown’s technical requirements - whiplash, one second cuts, whip pan, French language, with ease, style, and fun. We laughed at his scenario because it was relatable and wacky - who hasn’t had the runs after a weird cup of coffee? Dylon shows a clear sophistication on all fronts as a filmmaker.

By Gillian Mckercher on behalf of the 2023 QAS Animation Lockdown Jury

JURY SPECIAL MENTION

We are glad to award the honourable mention prize to the film Crayon Rail by "Grease Pencil" - Toby Duska and Gabi Norcross for its innovative use of sound as well as its striking and unique visual style. We applaud the artists' choices to integrate and build in the sound and visual components that are very much characteristic and local to the urban landscape of Calgary, and add that the visual development of the characters of the piece is both as intriguing as it is memorable. We also wanted to note that while Crayon Rail stands well as a short film, we felt it had the potential for further expansion into something larger in the future. Nevertheless, it is exciting to see local artists and creators bring work to life that reflects the realities and experiences of those who make their homes in the Calgary//Mohkinstsis and Treaty 7 areas, and we encourage you to keep going.

By Beric Manywounds on behalf of the 2023 QAS Animation Lockdown Jury

AUDIENCE AWARD TOP PRIZE - The Miraculous Witchcraft of Lily Dagonet

by Team Team - Isabelle Ackroyd and Rydell Peredo!

A very cute short that definitely gives you the Emotional Whiplash that made it perfectly fit in the theme. Incredibly well produced for it only being a long-weekend film, and made with Rydell being in person and Isabelle working - and then flying in from to watch the screening! - Vancouver

AUDIENCE AWARD RUNNER UP - Cup of Joe

by Dylon Klemen-Hurrell

A great little snippet into the mind when you drink WAY TOO MUCH COFFEE and all of the consequences of that action. Lots of laughs, and great energy.

AUDIENCE AWARD SPECIAL MENTION - Perhaps Never

by Maedeh Mosaverzadeh

A beautiful poetic film of wildfires and how you really can't stop them. Using digital rotoscoping and soft pastels, it gives an almost cozy and soft feeling despite it being something you usually run for cover from.

"DAILIES" COMMUNITY AWARD - Hartley Fiala

Hartley Fiala is recognized for the DAILIES Community Award as he continually showed up, participated, and helped out the other filmmakers through the production event. Stemming from our volunteer call to help set up the studios, Hartley instilled the community spirit. He scrubbed walls, put away papers, was there ready to assist with anything leading up to the weekend. PLUS Hartley did the unthinkable and actually finished his film early, yet stuck around and helped others get to the finish line. Thanks Hartley!

Our congratulations go out to all the Lockdown Winners, our greatest thank you to our Lockdown Jury, and our thanks to the our audience for taking part in this year's amazing screening at cSpace this year!

See you Next Year!

- QAS Team