Jan 10, 2024

Oscar Nominee Interview: Directors Jared and Jerusha Hess Discuss Favorite Shots from "Ninety-Five Senses" (Exclusive Interview)

We invited the makers of the 15 films nominated for this year's Academy Awards for Best Animated Short to share their favorite shots from their films and why. Each film is listed in the order the materials were received. Nomination voting will open tomorrow, January 11.

In this piece, Jared and Jerusha Hess discuss their short film "Ninety-Five Senses," which won the Jury Prize at the 2023 Florida Film Fest, Los Angeles Animation Festival, and Palm Springs International Animated Film Festival. Talks about.

Unlike many of the Hesses' films, including cult hits such as "Napoleon Dynamite" and "Nacho Libre," "Ninety-Five Senses" has little humor but examines serious issues about life and how we perceive it. The study is observed through the recollections of a condemned man after his last meal. The film is divided into parts, each dedicated to a sense and animated by a different artist, creating a consistently engaging visual experience.

Below, the Hesses share their favorite scenes from the short and tell us what they mean:

Okay, this one is hard. And in the case of "Ninety-Five Senses," with its six unique styles, it is even harder. But what Daniel Bruson has accomplished in this long shot is breathtaking.

Landing a plane is always the most difficult part of filmmaking. You are always looking for ways to end the story with the strongest emotional impact, and I think Daniel nailed it. He somehow managed to capture everything we experienced in the film and then reveal something new, heartbreaking and beautiful.

His camerawork, transitions, and storytelling were completely inspired. And he hand-drew everything with ink and paper.

Read other entries in the series so far: