A Montreal-produced short film has claimed a major victory, securing one of the top accolades in the film industry. Titled “The Girl Who Cried Pearls,” crafted by filmmakers Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, the film clinched the Oscar for best animated short film at the recent Academy Awards ceremony.
The 17-minute stop-motion feature unravels the tale of a young, impoverished boy and a girl whose tears transform into pearls, delving into themes of love, avarice, and the repercussions of exploiting someone’s anguish. During their award acceptance speech, Lavis and Szczerbowski first expressed gratitude to their families for unwavering support, humorously noting the patience required not in making a puppet film over five years but in living with someone who does.
The duo extended their thanks to the collaborative community instrumental in bringing the movie to fruition, acknowledging 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 also emphasized appreciation for their neighborhood and the artistically gifted Montreal community, concluding with grateful nods to both the city and Canada.
In a post-win interview, Szczerbowski recounted his family’s migration from Poland to Canada years ago, highlighting the emotional resonance of their success with his parents. The film itself prominently features Montreal, with Lavis emphasizing the city’s influence on the narrative, particularly set around 1912-13. The genesis of the film concept stemmed from a fortuitous mishap during a shoot, where tears turned into pearls, sparking the creative process.
Producer Christine Noël emphasized the collective effort behind the film’s triumph, underscoring the crucial role of the creative community in cinematic endeavors. Noël expressed hope that the Oscar win would draw more attention to the film and Montreal’s burgeoning animation talent pool. The short, produced by the NFB, marks the organization’s 12th Oscar victory, adding to its distinguished record. While their first Oscar win, Lavis and Szczerbowski had previously earned a nomination for the 2007 short “Madame Tutli-Putli,” igniting a successful 20-year collaboration journey as hailed by the NFB.
“The Girl Who Cried Pearls” is accessible for free in Canada on NFB.ca, YouTube, and all NFB apps, showcasing the creative excellence emanating from Montreal’s film industry.