Sep 1, 2023

Get to Know Indie Filmmakers Iulia Voitova

In this ongoing series, we will be profiling some of the most interesting independent animation artists working today.

This week's topic is Ukrainian animator and artist Iulia Voitova.

In a nutshell: Voitova's bite-sized stories, featuring expressive cutouts and pastel colors, pack an emotional punch.

Where to Start: La Plongeuse (2019). A professional diver is pushed into a corner by her coach and her body can't take it anymore. Only the knowing hands of a masseuse can heal her body. Told without words and using vibrant cutouts in dominant pink and blue pastels, this simple, funny, and surreal story touches on the rigors of the physical and emotional toll of being an athlete (in truth, it could apply to anyone who pursues life with an intense passion (Not really).

Next to watch: Le Nuage (2017). This one-minute student film briefly captures a moody, dysfunctional relationship led by a man who seems to enjoy being down about the weather. A contemplative soundtrack, expressive pastels, and lively paper cut-outs capture the chaos of the relationship beautifully.

Other major works include: Quarantine Routine (2020), Short Cuts "Le Cercle Rouge" (2022), Roads (2022), and Corinne Rio's music video for "Monstres" (2022).

Influences: Yuri Norstein, Gianluigi Toccafond, Gil Alkabetz. In art, Matisse (collage), Mikhail Vrubel, Egon Schiele.

He says: "There is something organic about animation. It feels freer than painting, for example. I like the idea that the movement of an image can tell a story. I like the metaphors and paradoxes in animation, and I like watching animation, especially short films.

Currently in production: "It's in the development stage, but we hope to get it into production soon."