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, claimed the Oscar for best animated short film at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony. The 17-minute stop-motion movie narrates the tale of a young boy and girl, where the girl’s tears transform into pearls, delving into themes of love, greed, and the repercussions of exploiting someone’s pain.
During their acceptance speech, Lavis and Szczerbowski expressed gratitude to their families for unwavering support. Lavis humorously remarked on the patience required for a five-year puppet film project, highlighting the patience needed to live with someone undertaking such a creative endeavor. They acknowledged the contributions of various entities, including the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), the producers, and collaborators like Brigitte Henry, Patrick Watson, Colm Feore, and James Heinemann.
In a post-win interview, Szczerbowski reflected on his family’s journey from Poland to Canada, escaping just before a significant event. He conveyed how moving it was for him to see the success in the country his parents had chosen for their family. The film’s setting in Montreal played a pivotal role, with the city being a central element in the storytelling, set around 1912-13.
The inspiration for the film stemmed from an incident years prior when a pearl necklace broke during a shoot, resulting in pearls scattered on the ground, igniting a creative spark that took years to materialize. Producer Christine Noël emphasized the collective effort behind the film’s success, underscoring the importance of community in filmmaking. The win not only celebrates the filmmakers but also shines a light on Montreal’s animation talent.
“The Girl Who Cried Pearls” was produced by the NFB, marking the organization’s 12th Oscar triumph. While this win marks the first Oscar for Lavis and Szczerbowski, their earlier nomination for “Madame Tutli-Putli” laid the foundation for a fruitful 20-year collaboration. The film is available for viewing on NFB.ca, YouTube, and NFB apps, offering audiences a chance to experience this award-winning creation.
