PLYMPTON AND BAUMANE HAND OFF BATON
FOR WOODSTOCK FILM FESTIVAL'S
ANNUAL ANIMATION SPECTACULAR
CONTACT: press@woodstockfilmfestival.com or 845-679-4265
Woodstock, NY (May 2016) - The WOODSTOCK FILM FESTIVAL is proud to announce that Joy Buran and Noelle Melody have come on board to curate the Annual Animation Spectacular. They will follow the path created by Bill Plympton and Signe Baumane, continuing a rich history that has featured incredible animated shorts from around the world ever since it was launched by Bill Plympton back in 2002. The 2016 Woodstock Film Festival takes place October 13-16.
Joy and Noelle have worked closely with Plympton and Baumane in the past. Originally coming to the Woodstock Film Festival with their own animated film in 2010, they have since created several trailers (2009, 2010, 2015) and the poster for the 2015 Sweet 16 Edition.
Joy + Noelle showing off the 2015 Woodstock Film Festival poster, designed by them
“When Bill and Signe called us to curate their legendary Animation Program at the Woodstock Film Festival, we tried to play it cool on the phone, while secretly dancing and high-fiving in the kitchen,“ said Buran. “They're going to be a tough act to follow but we're excited by this opportunity to put together a lineup where there will be something for everyone, and something that's not for everyone. We’ll keep the party going and you're all invited,” added Melody.
“We are thrilled to welcome Joy and Noelle as our Animation Program curators,” stated Woodstock Film Festival executive director Meira Blaustein, “This program was developed by two of the best animation artists around, Bill Plympton and Signe Baumane, and all of us at the Woodstock Film Festival are excited now to see that prestigious baton being passed on to the exceptionally talented hands of Joy and Noelle.”
"We're so excited that Joy and Noelle are taking over for Signe and me as programmers and presenters of the ever-popular animated shorts program. They have a lot more pizzazz and sex appeal,” said Bill Plympton, “Of course, we'll be regular attendees at our favorite festival - so we'll still be hanging around and hopefully also showing our new films."
“Animated shorts are better than doing drugs because they’re super healthy and fun, like eating carrots,” Signe Baumane commented, “Joy and Noelle’s selections will offer a fresh, exciting and thought-provoking perspective on the most exciting film medium that has ever existed. Bill and I will lie on the carpet like worn out dogs, and wag our tails as we observe their youthful energy. I can't wait!“
Bill & Signe at 2012 Woodstock Film Festival
Illustrators, animators and twins, Buran and Melody studied Media Arts at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and are now a NY based animation and design duo, JOY + NOELLE. Clients have included A+E Digital, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, TED, Cartuna, Amazon Studios, and Sesame Street Workshop, among others. Their reel is shown below:
Call for entries
To submit your animated film for consideration in this year's Animation Spectacular, please visit our entry page. You may also submit through WithoutABox or Film Freeway.
Best animation honors over the years
2003 John Cernak DEAR, SWEET EMMA
2004 Chris Landreth RYAN (Also won 2004 Academy Award for Best Short Film)
2005 John Dilworth LIFE IN TRANSITION
2006 Joanna Quinn DREAMS & DESIRES
2007 Arthur Metcalf FANTAISIE IN BUBBLEWRAP
2008 Yann Jouette BERNI'S DOLL
2009 Jake Armstrong THE TERRIBLE THING ABOUT ALPHA-9
2010 Anthony Sheppard MUSIC SCENE
2011 Juan Pablo Zaramello LUMINARIS
Hailed as "A true American Maverick Among Fests" and named among the top 50 film festivals world wide, the Woodstock Film Festival premieres exceptional films, hosts the most talented emerging and established professionals in the movie industry; presents A-list concerts, panels and parties, and creates stimulating, innovative programming year-round.
The Woodstock Film Festival is a non-profit, 501c3 with a mission to present an annual program and year-round schedule of film, music and art-related activities that promote artists, culture, inspired learning and diversity.
The Woodstock Film Festival returns October 13-16, 2016 with an extraordinary line-up of fiercely independent films, panels, concerts and special events in Woodstock, Rhinebeck, Kingston, Rosendale and Saugerties.