‘Small Town,’ the Awaited Comeback of Animation Legend Walter Tournier, Swooped on by Latido for International (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned movie critic with over three decades of experience under my belt, I have had the privilege to witness the evolution of animation from its humble beginnings to the stunning visual spectacles we see today. With “Small Town,” I feel like I’ve traveled back in time to the golden age of stop-motion animation, and it’s a joyous ride!

At this week’s Ventana Sur, Madrid-based Latido Films has secured international distribution rights for the adventure-comedy “Small Town” (“Pueblo Chico”), a fable that explores themes of greed and serves as an example of the growing scale and ambition in Latin American animation co-productions, whether they are collaborative efforts within the region or extend to Spain.

On Wednesday, a Ventana Sur panel will focus on the film “Small Town,” which marks the return of Walter Tournier, a highly experienced animation director from Uruguay. Tournier’s career dates back to 1972 and includes an early cut-out animated short titled “In the Forest There Is Much to Do.” Notably, he was also involved in Uruguay’s first animated feature film, “Selkirk.

In “Small Town,” a 2017 Ventana Sur’s Animation! winner that later became part of the 2018 Animation! Focus at Annecy’s Mifa market, Tournier and another renowned Latin American stop-motion animator, Cesar Cabral from Brazil (who won Quirino for “Angeli the Killer” and “Bob Spit – We Do Not Like People”), collaborate as co-directors.

In the words of Latido Films head Antonio Saura, “Small Town” is a delightful tale that revolves around a small community. The plot unfolds when it’s discovered that they can generate energy from cow flatulence, leading to an economic surge at the cost of human and empathetic connections. The narrative also follows an attempt by a ruthless speculator to swindle the village people out of their hard-earned livelihood.

In a work-in-progress video, “Small Town” presents two inquiries posed by Tournier: First, it delves into the connections among people, inviting us to ponder their essence and trajectory. Second, it challenges us to examine our present condition and map out our future course. Additionally, it underscores the importance of children, a group that frequently does not receive the recognition they deserve.

For years, we’ve been fortunate to appreciate the work of Walter Tournier and Cabral. To be given the opportunity to manage a project that boasts such extraordinary talent is an honor in itself,” stated Saura. “However, what makes this film even more exceptional is its innovative and witty concept. Not only does it capture the unique movement style these two masters have perfected, but it also offers a heartwarming and delightful narrative. The production crew couldn’t be more ideal, combining talents from three countries with extensive animation experience. What could possibly go awry?” he continued.

As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that an enticing feature film titled “Small Town” is being produced. This captivating production is a joint effort from Esteban Schroeder’s La Suma, known for “Selkirk”; Brazil’s Coala Filmes, under Cabral’s banner; Ivan Melo’s Cup Filmes, renowned for “Baby”; and Tornasol Filmes, famous for “The Secret in Their Eyes”, as well as the top-notch animation studio Abano Produccións, creators of “Unicorn Wars” and “Valentina”.

According to Tournier and Abano’s Chelo Loureiro, director of “Valentina,” “Small Town” is now initiating the procedure for constructing over 200 intricately designed components in a highly organized fashion. This collaborative effort between Uruguay and Brazil aims to create an exceptional stop motion film, as stated by Saura.

2024-12-06 16:48

‘Small Town,’ the Awaited Comeback of Animation Legend Walter Tournier, Swooped on by Latido for International (EXCLUSIVE)

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