Oscar-Nominated Animator Barry JC Purves to Receive Master Award at Animac 2024

15 January 2024 | Source
Photo: Courtesy of Animac
Photo: Courtesy of Animac
Barry JC Purves, a distinguished British animator and director, will receive the Animation Master Award at the 28th International Animated Film Festival of Catalonia (Animac 2024). The festival, scheduled in Lleida from February 15 to 18, 2024, will also feature a comprehensive retrospective of Purves' works. Purves, known for his stop motion animation and personal storytelling, has earned recognition worldwide with over seventy awards.

The 28th edition of Animac, the International Animation Film Festival of Catalonia, has announced that British creator Barry JC Purves will be the recipient of the Animation Master Award. This recognition comes as part of the festival's celebration, scheduled from February 15 to 18, 2024, in Lleida.

Barry JC Purves, born in 1955 in the United Kingdom, is a distinguished figure in the animation world. His career spans several decades, marked by his work as a director, animator, and screenwriter. Purves is noted for his unique blend of personal animation and stage direction for theater, which has earned him Oscar and BAFTA nominations. His creations, often addressing intimate and sometimes controversial themes, have garnered over seventy international awards.

In a special tribute to Purves, Animac will host an extensive retrospective of his works. This showcase is set to be the most comprehensive presentation of his career to date. Alongside this retrospective, Purves will impart his knowledge and experience in a workshop aimed at animation students at the Leandre Cristòfol Municipal Art School.

Purves' significant contributions to animation include the pioneering exploration of themes like homosexuality in his film "Achilles" (1995). His use of extraordinary puppets, crafted by Mackinnon and Saunders, brings an unparalleled humanity to his films.

His notable personal filmography includes a diverse range of works:

  • "Next" (1989), a five-minute rendition of Shakespeare's complete works;
  • "Screen Play" (1992), a Kabuki-style narrative inspired by the Willow Pattern;
  • "Rigoletto" (1993), an adaptation of Verdi’s opera;
  • "Achilles" (1995), a mature interpretation of the Iliad;
  • "Gilbert and Sullivan" (1998), exploring their tumultuous relationship;
  • "Hamilton Mattress" (2001), a tale of an aardvark navigating the showbiz world;
  • "Plume" (2010);
  • "Tchaikovsky" (2012), a poignant elegy using Tchaikovsky's own music and writings;
  • "No Ordinary Joe" (2021), a film inspired by the life of Marion Barbara "Joe" Carstairs and her relationship with a hand puppet.

Purves' career also includes significant contributions to British television, working with the Cosgrove Hall animation studio. His television credits include "Rainbow" (1972-1997), "Chorlton and the Wheelies" (1979), "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" (1980), "The Wind in the Willows" (1981-1986), "Rupert Bear" (2007), "Postman Pat" (2005-2007), "Bob the Builder" (2011), and "The Sound Collector" (2023).

Animac 2024's theme is "Diversity" in animated cinema, reflecting a commitment to showcasing a wide array of voices, stories, and characters. The festival aims to highlight the richness of human experiences, including diverse cultures, gender identities, sexual orientations, and physical and cognitive abilities. The program, which will be announced later, will include monographic and retrospective sessions, recent short and feature films, conferences, and masterclasses.

Animac is also dedicated to inclusivity, with adaptations for various groups and special needs, ensuring that the festival is a welcoming space for all attendees.