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 the latest Academy Awards ceremony. The 17-minute stop-motion production narrates the tale of a young boy and girl, where the girl’s tears transform into pearls, delving into themes of love, avarice, and the repercussions of exploiting someone’s pain.
During their acceptance speech, Lavis and Szczerbowski expressed gratitude to their families for their unwavering support. In a light-hearted moment, Lavis humorously mentioned the patience required not just for crafting a puppet film over five years but also for living with someone engaged in such a lengthy creative process.
The duo extended their appreciation to the collaborative community behind the film’s realization, acknowledging contributions from entities like the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), the show’s producers, and various talented collaborators such as Brigitte Henry, Patrick Watson, Colm Feore, and James Heinemann. Szczerbowski took a moment to thank their neighborhood and the flourishing artist community in Montreal, emphasizing their pride in showcasing the city and Canada on a global platform.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Szczerbowski shared a poignant anecdote about his parents’ migration from Poland to Canada in pursuit of a better life, highlighting the emotional significance of their Oscar win. The film itself prominently features Montreal, with Lavis emphasizing how the city played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative, particularly set around 1912-13.
The film’s inception stemmed from a serendipitous moment during a shoot where tears turned into pearls, sparking the idea that eventually evolved into the award-winning production. The sense of community and collaboration was underscored by producer Christine Noël, who emphasized that filmmaking is a collective effort, bringing joy and pride to all involved in the project.
As the film continues to garner acclaim, it not only adds to the NFB’s impressive track record but also serves as a testament to the burgeoning animation talent emerging from Montreal. This victory marks the first Oscar win for Lavis and Szczerbowski, building on their longstanding creative partnership that originated with the acclaimed short film “Madame Tutli-Putli” in 2007. The NFB, in a statement, hailed this win as the culmination of a remarkable 20-year collaboration between the filmmakers and the organization.
For audiences in Canada, “The Girl Who Cried Pearls” is accessible for free on NFB.ca, YouTube, and all NFB apps, offering a glimpse into the captivating storytelling and artistic prowess of the Montreal-based filmmakers.
