A small independent film from Montreal has achieved remarkable 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.
The 17-minute stop-motion film narrates the tale of a young boy and girl, where the girl’s tears magically transform into pearls. Delving into themes of love, greed, and the repercussions of exploiting suffering, the fable resonates with audiences.
During their acceptance speech, Lavis and Szczerbowski expressed gratitude to their families for unwavering support. With a touch of humor, Lavis jokingly remarked on the patience required for a five-year puppet film project, emphasizing the endurance needed to live with someone undertaking such a venture.
Acknowledging the collaborative effort behind the movie, the duo extended thanks to various contributors, including the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), producers, and esteemed collaborators like Brigitte Henry, Patrick Watson, Colm Feore, and James Heinemann.
Szczerbowski also gave a special shoutout, expressing appreciation for the vibrant Montreal community and the talented artists they had the privilege to work with. In a poignant reflection, Szczerbowski shared his family’s journey from Poland to Canada, highlighting the emotional impact of their success on his parents.
The film’s setting in Montreal plays a significant role, with the city serving as a backdrop that influenced the storytelling. The inception of the film was marked by a serendipitous moment during a scene shoot, where a broken pearl necklace inspired the narrative direction.
Producer Christine Noël emphasized the collective effort of the creative community in achieving this accolade, underscoring the collaborative nature of filmmaking. The win not only celebrates the film but also showcases Montreal’s burgeoning animation talent.
This award marks the NFB’s 12th Oscar victory, reaffirming its legacy of excellence. While this win constitutes the first Oscar triumph for Lavis and Szczerbowski, their creative partnership traces back to their earlier nomination for the 2007 short film, “Madame Tutli-Putli,” initiating a successful 20-year collaboration.
“The Girl Who Cried Pearls” is now accessible for free on NFB.ca, YouTube, and all NFB apps in Canada, inviting a wider audience to experience this captivating creation.