Stop-Motion Magic: Monkeys Build a Jungle!

Swiss filmmaker Antonin Niclass's stop-motion short, "Into the Forest," has earned the Young Audience Award at the Annecy Animation Festival. Produced in Switzerland, the film follows three handcrafted monkeys who creatively transform a cold animation studio into a vibrant jungle. This win marks Niclass's continued presence at Annecy, following previous selections with his earlier works. The short film, a collaboration with Milos-Films and shot at Hélium Films, also features a puppet from Claude Barras' "Savages." The production team focused on an electronic score and expressive sound design to convey the narrative, as the film contains no dialogue.

"Into the Forest" explores themes of belonging, creativity, and the power of collaboration. Niclass aimed to introduce stop-motion concepts to children, illustrating how a puppet becomes an autonomous character. The message emphasizes resourcefulness, with the monkeys using their imagination to build their own makeshift jungle. The film also celebrates the joy of collective creation and teamwork, demonstrating how these elements can lead to shared success. Niclass expressed his honor in premiering and winning at Annecy, a festival he considers nearly a homecoming due to his Swiss roots.