A small independent film from Montreal has achieved remarkable 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 ceremony.
The 17-minute stop-motion film 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, humorously mentioning the patience required to live with someone making a puppet film over five years.
Acknowledging the collaborative effort behind the movie, the duo extended thanks to various contributors including the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), producers, and esteemed collaborators like Brigitte Henry, Patrick Watson, Colm Feore, and James Heinemann. Szczerbowski also emphasized appreciation for the supportive community of artists in Montreal.
In a post-win interview, Szczerbowski shared a touching anecdote about his family’s journey from Poland to Canada in pursuit of a better life, reflecting on the emotional significance of their success. The filmmakers highlighted Montreal’s pivotal role in the film, set against the backdrop of the city in the early 20th century.
The film’s genesis was marked by a serendipitous moment during a scene where a pearl necklace broke, leading to the creative spark for the narrative years later. Producer Christine Noël emphasized the collective effort of the creative community in achieving this milestone, underscoring the importance of community in filmmaking.
“The Girl Who Cried Pearls” was produced by the NFB, marking their 12th Oscar win and showcasing the thriving animation talent in Montreal. While this win marked the first Oscar victory for Lavis and Szczerbowski, their previous nomination for “Madame Tutli-Putli” in 2007 laid the foundation for a successful two-decade collaboration.
The film is now accessible for free in Canada on NFB.ca, YouTube, and all NFB apps, offering viewers a chance to experience the award-winning storytelling firsthand.