Prepare to be captivated by a stunning animated masterpiece that delivers a powerful environmental message. 'Au 8ème Jour' (On the 8th Day) is an award-winning short film that will leave you in awe and with a sense of urgency.
This French animation begins with a thought-provoking tagline: 'In seven days, the world was created; in one day, its harmony was shattered.' The film employs CG animation to craft a mesmerizing stop-motion-like world. Here, a vibrant array of animals and landscapes are crafted from fabric, each connected by a single thread to a central energy source, a brilliant skein in the sky.
But a dark twist unfolds as sinister black fibers invade this paradise, forcing creatures to flee for survival. The cause and consequences of this invasion are as mysterious as they are terrifying. Yet, this fantastical narrative mirrors a very real and pressing issue on our planet.
The film serves as a stark reminder of the United Nations' recent admission that the 1.5-degree Celsius global warming limit, set in the Paris Climate Agreement, is now unattainable. This goal, backed by scientific research, aimed to mitigate the devastating effects of rising temperatures worldwide. 'Au 8ème Jour' brings this global crisis to life in a fictional world, making the stakes feel all too real.
Crafted by a talented team of 5th-year students at Piktura in Roubaix, France, this film has already garnered over 250 award nominations and 60 wins, including Best Animated Short at prestigious festivals. The work of Agathe Sénéchal, Flavie Carin, Elise Debruyne, Alicia Massez, and Théo Duhautois is a testament to the power of animation to convey urgent messages.
And here's the part that might spark debate: Is this film a mere cautionary tale, or a call to action? Could it be a subtle critique of our current environmental efforts? You decide. Dive into the film and explore the intricate digital process behind it, and let the discussion unfold in the comments.
