Some 80 animated short films qualified for consideration as Best Animated Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards. 15 films have now progressed to the short list, including the UK/Polish co-production of A Bear Named Wojtek, produced by Illuminated Films, Filmograf and Animation Garden. The final five nominees will be announced on 17 January 2025.
The 28-minute film tells the true story of a bear, adopted by Polish soldiers during the Second World War, that played a legendary role at the battle of Monte Cassino before they end up as Polish refugees in Scotland after the war.
The director, Iain Gardner, an Edinburgh resident, was inspired by the fact that Wojtek the bear spent the last years of its life at Edinburgh Zoo and researched the details of Wojtek’s incredible journey.
A Bear Named Wojtek won Best Long Form Animation at the British Animation Awards and Best Animation at the Venice TV Awards among others.
Director Iain Gardner comments: "It’s testimony to our amazing crew – over a hundred of them, from script to final grade, that we’ve accomplished this stage of the Academy Award® process. Everybody involved with the film elevated my vision, making the final film greater than the sum of its parts. Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with me."
The co-producer, Iain Harvey of Illuminated Films, comments: "The story is truly inspirational, symbolizing so many elements of life, the realities of war and the profound importance of relationships. With a beautiful score by Normand Roger, its impact on audiences has been very gratifying and hopefully justifies the support we have received from Screen Scotland, Polish Film Institute, and the BFI Young Audience Content Fund."
Co-producer Wlodzimierz Matuszewski of Filmograf comments: "What a great honour for the unforgettable bear Wojtek, symbolizing the fate of Poland in the 20th century. Fully deserved for the creative effort of the great animation artist Iain Gardner, and exceptional creative synergy between British and Polish teams!"
A Bear Named Wojtek is a Wojtek Animation Limited production, co-produced by Filmograf and The Illuminated Film Company. Internationally, the series is being represented by Illuminated Films.