A small independent film from Montreal has achieved significant 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 production narrates the tale of a young boy and a girl, where the girl’s tears transform into pearls, delving into themes of love, greed, and the repercussions of exploiting someone’s anguish.
During their acceptance speech, Lavis and Szczerbowski expressed gratitude to their families for their unwavering support. Lavis humorously remarked on the patience required not in making a puppet film over five years but in living with someone creating it. The duo extended thanks to various contributors, notably acknowledging the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), producers, and other collaborators such as Brigitte Henry, Patrick Watson, Colm Feore, and James Heinemann.
Szczerbowski made a special mention of their neighborhood and the talented artist community in Montreal, expressing heartfelt appreciation for the city and Canada. In a subsequent interview, Szczerbowski shared a personal story of his family’s journey from Poland to Canada, highlighting the profound impact of their decision on his current success.
The film itself prominently features Montreal, reflecting the city’s essence throughout the storytelling. The creative process behind the award-winning film took five years, with the initial inspiration stemming from a broken pearl necklace during a scene shoot, leading to the eventual development of the narrative.
Producer Christine Noël emphasized the collaborative effort behind the film’s success, emphasizing the significance of community in the filmmaking process. Noël hopes the recognition will attract more viewers to explore the film and recognize the animation talent emerging from Montreal. The short film, produced by the NFB, marks the organization’s 12th Oscar win, further solidifying its reputation in the industry.
While this win marks Lavis and Szczerbowski’s first Oscar victory, their previous nomination for the 2007 short film “Madame Tutli-Putli” initiated a lasting 20-year partnership described by the NFB as exceptional. “The Girl Who Cried Pearls” is available for viewing free of charge on NFB.ca, YouTube, and all NFB apps in Canada.