Two Latvian animators’ films at the Annecy’09 official competition program

25-03-2009

Two Latvian animators’ films at the Annecy’09 official competition program

Wings and Oars (2009, Latvia) by Vladimir Leschiov and Birth (2009, Italy/USA) by Signe Baumane has been chosen for the offical short film competition program of 2009 at the prestigious animation film festival in Annecy.

The latest works by both authors - Lost in Snow (2007) by Leschiov and two films by Signe Baumane - The Teat Beat of Sex, Episodes 8, 9, 10, 11 (2007) and Veterinarian (2007) -

had gained international festival success already - several awards, nominations and jury mentions

at various festivals around the globe. Now their latest work will have an international premiere

at the most respected animation festival.

Actually this is the second time when Vladimir Leschiov's film participates at the International Animation Film Festival in Annecy. His short animation Grandad's Honey (2002, Sweden/ Latvia) participated at Annecy'03 out of competition program.

39 - year old director Leschiov has finished Art School in Riga in 1989 and studied animation at Konstfack University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Sweden.

Since 1992 he has been working as illustrator, designer and director for video production companies in Latvia. In 2002 he made his first 4 minute animation - Letter as director, scriptwriter and artist. Since 2005 he is teaching animation at Latvian Academy of Arts and in 2007 he established his animation studio Lunohod in Riga.

Signe Baumane, the Member of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has been living and working in three cities - Riga, Moscow and New York. She graduated Moscow University with a BA in Philosophy in 1989 and started her career at Dauka Animation Studio in Riga in 1989. In 1991 she made her debut as scriptwriter, director, and artist with a 2 minute animated film The Witch and the Cow and has been working with animation since. Besides animation she works as illustrator for books. In 1996 she started working at Bill Plympton's studio as production manager, color stylist and cell painter for various Bill Plympton's animations. Since fall 2000 she is teaching animation at Pratt institute (New York, USA).

Filmography of Vladimir Leschiov (director)

Wings and Oars, 2009

Lost in Snow, 2007

Insomnia, 2004

Grandad's Honey, 2002

The Letter, 2002

Wings & Oars (Spārni un airi)

Latvia, 2009, 5'38", 2D animation, colour

Dir. , prod. : Vladimir Leschiov

A former pilot looks back over his past: the earth, the sky, a woman... and a journey between an airfield and an abandoned nautical station.

Filmography of Signe Baumane (director)

The Witch and the Cow, 1991