Prior to the Academy Awards show this year, we went to see the Oscar Animated Short Films presented at the Bytowne Theatre in Ottawa. Animation is something we so often connect with children and children’s entertainment, with good reason; it is a huge, multi-billion dollar industry. But the majority of the short films we saw that evening were not aimed at children and some had adult themes you would never find in the latest Pixar release. I was struck by how the use of animation can elicit a different reaction in the viewer, new perspectives can be explored, and subjects can be presented in a way no live-action movie could duplicate.

A few days ago a Canadian band called Half Moon Run released a video for their song “Hands in the Garden”. It is a fascinating trip through a story that explores the inner life, outer life, imagination, existence, and more, all done with animation. I’ve watched it a few times and find new things in it each time. I share it with you in my blog because (a) Half Moon Run is an awesome band you should get to know if you don’t already and because (b) the experience of thoughtful, colorful, insightful and challenging animation is an art form worthy of your time.

Animation and Direction by Agathe Bray-Bourret
Written by Conner Molander, from a concept by Conner and Devon Portielje
Additional animation by Martine Frossard