A small independent film from Montreal has achieved great success by winning a prestigious award in the film industry. “The Girl Who Cried Pearls,” created by filmmakers Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, secured the Oscar for best animated short film at this year’s Academy Awards. The 17-minute stop-motion movie narrates the tale of a young boy and girl, where the girl’s tears transform into pearls, delving into themes of love, greed, and the repercussions of exploiting someone’s pain.
During their acceptance speech, Lavis and Szczerbowski expressed gratitude to their families for unwavering support. Lavis humorously noted that while people may think it requires patience to spend five years creating a puppet film, the real patience lies in living with someone undergoing the arduous process of making such a film.
The duo also acknowledged the collaborative effort that brought the film to fruition, recognizing the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), producers, and other key contributors like Brigitte Henry, Patrick Watson, Colm Feore, and James Heinemann. Szczerbowski made a special mention of the supportive community of artists in Montreal, emphasizing their pride in showcasing the city’s abundance of talent.
In a post-win interview, Szczerbowski shared the poignant story of his family’s journey from Poland to Canada in search of a better life, reflecting on how his parents’ sacrifices had led to moments of immense joy and gratitude. The film itself eloquently captures the essence of Montreal as a central theme, portraying the city’s charm and historical backdrop.
The film’s inception, rooted in a serendipitous moment on set, sparked the idea that eventually blossomed into “The Girl Who Cried Pearls.” The unexpected sight of tears turning into pearls laid the foundation for the film’s narrative, which took years to fully develop.
Christine Noël, the producer, highlighted the collective effort and community spirit that contributed to the film’s success, emphasizing that filmmaking is a collaborative endeavor. The win not only celebrates the creative team behind the film but also aims to shine a spotlight on Montreal’s burgeoning animation industry.
Produced by the NFB, the film marks the organization’s 12th Oscar victory, further solidifying its reputation for excellence in filmmaking. While this is the first Oscar win for Lavis and Szczerbowski, their longstanding collaboration, initiated by the acclaimed short film “Madame Tutli-Putli” in 2007, has now spanned two decades.
“The Girl Who Cried Pearls” is now available for viewing on NFB.ca, YouTube, and all NFB apps, offering audiences a chance to experience the award-winning creativity and storytelling from Montreal’s vibrant film community.