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Filmmaker Honors Jewish Swimmer Denied Citizenship
24 Feb
Summary
- Short film Papillon highlights swimmer Alfred Nakache's life.
- Nakache was a world-record holder stripped of citizenship.
- The film uses unique hand-animation techniques.
The animated short film Papillon (Butterfly) by Florence Miailhe illuminates the poignant life of French-Jewish swimmer Alfred Nakache. Nakache, a world-record holder, faced ostracism and was stripped of his citizenship under Vichy France, later being sent to Auschwitz.
The film's creation involved a distinctive hand-animation technique where Miailhe worked directly on glass, using oils, pastels, and sand. This method creates a textured, almost tactile experience of Nakache's journey, from his early life in Algeria and Olympic participation to his persecution and survival.
Miailhe, also Jewish, draws parallels between Nakache's exclusion and contemporary issues of discrimination in France. She emphasizes the importance of speaking out against human rights violations. The film's nomination for an Oscar highlights both Nakache's forgotten legacy and Miailhe's innovative artistic approach.
Papillon's renewed interest in Toulousain swimming history, partly due to swimmer Leon Marchand, positions it as a significant work. Miailhe's dedication to personal artistic expression stands in contrast to increasing AI-driven animation, emphasizing the value of human craft and the challenges of direct-frame animation.
