A small independent film from Montreal has achieved significant success by winning a prestigious award in the film industry. “The Girl Who Cried Pearls,” created by filmmakers Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, secured the Oscar for best animated short film at this year’s Academy Awards. This 17-minute stop-motion production narrates the tale of a young boy and girl, where tears transform into pearls, delving into themes like love, greed, and the repercussions of exploiting someone’s pain.
During their acceptance speech, Lavis and Szczerbowski expressed gratitude to their families for unwavering support. Lavis humorously remarked on the patience required to endure a five-year puppet film creation process, highlighting the real test being living with someone undertaking such a project. They acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various entities such as the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), the producers, and other key contributors like Brigitte Henry, Patrick Watson, Colm Feore, and James Heinemann.
In an interview post-win, Szczerbowski reflected on his family’s journey from Poland to Canada in search of a better life, emphasizing how their escape just before a significant historical event profoundly resonated with him. He credited Canada for the happiness he felt, suggesting it would have moved his mother to tears.
The film’s setting in Montreal plays a pivotal role, accentuating the city’s essence within the storyline. Lavis shared how the city influenced the narrative, particularly referencing the period around 1912-13. The inception of the film dates back several years prior, sparked by a serendipitous moment during a scene shoot involving tears and pearls.
Producer Christine Noël highlighted the collective effort of the creative community in achieving this accolade, stressing that filmmaking is a collaborative endeavor. She expressed hope that the win would attract more viewers to discover the film and the burgeoning animation talent emerging from Montreal.
“The Girl Who Cried Pearls” was produced by the NFB, marking the organization’s 12th Oscar triumph. While this win marked Lavis and Szczerbowski’s first Oscar victory, their previous nomination for the 2007 short film “Madame Tutli-Putli” laid the foundation for their successful 20-year partnership. The film is accessible for free on NFB.ca, YouTube, and all NFB apps in Canada.
