Major Post 16 – Documentary Animation

Posted on by Julia Reymundo

One of my favorite documentaries in the class was “A for Autism” directed by Tim Webb and how it really shows awareness to people with autism. It’s a really important topic that people should be aware of. It reminded me of an advertisement that I saw recently. Where we are in the point of view of a child with autism going to a shopping mall. It really puts the viewer in the shoes of someone with autism. It features all the symptoms and shows how difficult it is to be in this situation. It is horrible that some people judge children that get overwhelmed in public. In addition, this documentary by Tim Webb was great, because of all the artwork featured by everyone that gets animated by the creator.

It features a clear message that everyone needs to be understanding of. That is what these types of animations try to do. Documentary animations are great and feature all sorts of themes. It is great to be able to create these sorts of animations and it is very interesting.

Julia Reymundo

Major Post 16: Documination

Posted on by Sammy Liu

The idea of Documented Animation primarily started off as short moving-pictures presented inside documentaries, for example, Winsor McCay’s The Sinking of the Lusitania (1918). At this point in time, animation was more like a decoration for documentaries – accompanying the information.
Eventually, it developed into more freedom for Animators and Film Makers to be more experimental towards the input of their thoughts and ideas.

My favourite that screened would be Of Stars and Men (1961) by John Hubley. This is something that could have been screened in science classes (despite it being longer than 1hr). It reflects results of the curiosity from that era – where research of the world was in motion. The moon landing had yet to happen in 1969, but the possibility of being able to explore the outskirts was already in full experiment.

Of Stars and Men (1961) – John Hubley

As well as documenting findings, Animated Documentaries could address situations on such as political issues, illnesses, and other sensitive or complicated topics.

I was completely inspired by Tim Webb‘s A is for Autism (1992), it was informing and visually appealing; complimented with experiences of people that not everyone gets to spend time with. It showed how art-forms can be a way to channel information into chew-able pieces. Also, what professor said – The power is all there (The voices and drawings of the children with Autism), Tim Webb took it and articulated it to become something that blesses all sides that are involved.

Ryan (2004) – An animated documentary about Ryan Larkin, by Chris Landreth. It records Larkin’s difficult situations in his life, and also the encouragement from people around him. It includes mentions of his award winning creations, Walking (1968) and Street Musique (1972).

Sheila M. Sofian
Truth has Fallen (2013) – Puts into light of the twisted injustice in America, using animation as a tool to help viewers realise problems of the world.

Sheila SofianManga! (1985)

Major Post: 15 A is for Autism

Posted on by LeAnn Schmitt

In class we began watching animated documentaries and the one that stuck out to me the most was A is for Autism. The film has won multiple awards and is meant to give viewers a glimpse into the world of autism. While, I knew the narration and drawings were contributed by autistic people I didn’t know that the music as well as the animations were all contributed by autistic people as well. This piece that Tim Webb, the director, not only gave people a glimpse into the world of autism but it all allowed people with autism to have their own voice. I think it is very interesting how well this piece was made and how much thought and effort was put into making such a progressive and eye-opening film. I would hope that more animated documentaries come out in the future since it seems like one of the best medium to tell a story that will capture an audience’s attention. I have linked the documentary below again in case you would like to re-watch it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxt3FBVq8Jg