Glenna Burmer’s Nana korobi, Ya oki, took home another gold award for Best Animation at the Venice Shorts film festival in Venice, Calif.
This charming story about a young girl in Hokkaido who overcomes seven trials to save an orphan during a snowstorm was created and produced by Glenna Burmer with assistance from artistic director Gaby Breiter of Deep Sky Studios in Portland, Oregon. The original music featuring woodwinds and strings was composed by Glenna Burmer and recorded by Dynamedion in Germany.
Venice Shorts is composed of a monthly competition and an annual festival dedicated to short films of all genres from U.S. and international filmmakers. In the past, the festival has highlighted emerging talents who have gone on to compete with Oscar-winning directors and producers. Filmmakers from all backgrounds are encouraged to submit their projects, and it is one of the most popular festivals on the circuit.
This spring, Burmer’s film has been recognized at film festivals in the U.S. and Canada, receiving awards for best animation, best female composer and outstanding achievement. The film was also selected to be screened internationally at the London International Short Film Festival for 10 days, beginning May 6.
Nana korobi, Ya oki uses a dreamy animation style that reflects sumi-e art, a Japanese artistic style which employs black ink and distinctive brush strokes. The style was chosen as a tribute to Burmer’s mother, who was a sumi-e artist.