FIAF Presents 'Animation First: Rewind' Online This August

Animation First, held by  The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF)  is North America's only festival dedicated to French animation. Normally held at FIAF New York, this year's edition predictably had to move online. If you missed it earlier this year then you're in luck. FIAF has announced that Animation First Rewind will bring a selection of films from this year's fest back online this August.

First up is Rémi Chayé's Calamity Jayne aka Calamity, Une Enfance de Martha Jane Cannary, available from August 3 to August 9, 2021.  Chayé (assistant director on The Secret Of Kells)follows up his feature directorial debut Long Way North with another story of a spirited young girl ahead of her time. This time though, the story is based on a real-life figure, presenting a fictionalised version of the childhood of Martha Jane Cannary,  who would go on to be known as famous frontierswoman Calamity Jane. The film is also accompanied by a free talk from the director on the making of Calamity.

Also back online is The Animated World of Paul Grimault, a selection of newly restored shorts from an icon of French animation. The shorts were made between 1942 and 1973, and include 1948's The Little Soldier, winner of the Venice  InternationalFilm Festival Award for Best Animated Film. The program is available from August 10-August 16 and is accompanied by free talk Kristof Serrand’s Cabinet of Curiosities.

Available from August 17-August 23 is Julien Bisaro's charming award-nominated short Shooom's Oddysee, featuring the adventure of an adorable baby owl to reunite with his family, and a free talk on the making of the film. Also available at the same time is Stinky Dog, Happy Life in Paris! a new 60-minute film from the makers of A Town Called Panic.

Rounding out Rewind is the return of Aya Of Yop City, Marguerite Abouet and Clément Oubrerie's film set in the 1970's in The Ivory Coast. Adapted from Abouet's graphic novel series, it follows spirited young woman Aya as she navigates life, love and complicated relationships in the city of Abidjan. The film is available from August 24-30.

The films are available to anyone in the US, with a ticket for each program costing $6.99 to watch, although FIAF members can get tickets for free. For full information and to order tickets visit the FIAF  website.