Way back in 1977 we were living in Hollywood. One memorable evening a fiend who belonged to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences called and asked if I wanted to go to a screening.
Needless to say, we did.
The films shown that evening were the nominees for best Short Film [Animated].
We only remember one film from that night, a remarkable creation by a Canadian, Co Hoedeman.
The Sand Castle was a visually stunning work, charming and mysterious, telling a story of creation by one peculiar creature of other equally bizarre critters and their work to shape the creation that gives the film its title.
The film went on to receive the Oscar, presented by Jodie Foster, Paul Williams, and a certain famous rodent.
Here’s the heart of Hoedeman’s acceptance speech:
I think I should tell you something and it is that we have back in Canada an extraordinary institution, and it’s called the National Film Board of Canada. And through the National Film Board it’s been possible for many Canadian filmmakers, Americans, and people from all over the world to express themselves and put their feelings on film, express themselves culturally, pioneer in all kinds of animation and film techniques. And I think I should be grateful for them all because it was through them and the National Film Board and all my helpers that I’ve been able to make this little film. And I hope you can all see it.
And now, thanks to that remarkable institution, Hoedeman’s creation is back for you to see, and we hope you enjoy it half as much as we do.
And by all means, click on that little gear and set playback for 1080 p resolution and pop it up for full screen display, then sit back and enjoy.
From the National Film Board of Canada:
The Sand Castle
Program notes:
This short animated film features the sandman and the creatures he sculpts out of sand. These lively creatures build a castle and celebrate the completion of their new home, only to be interrupted by an uninvited guest. Cleverly constructed with nuance, the film leaves interpretation open to the viewer. The film took home an Oscar® for Best Animated Short Film.
Directed by Co Hoedeman – 1977
