In the vibrant landscape of animation, Colombian talent María Cristina Pérez presented her experimental short film, "Once in a Body" (Una vez en un Cuerpo), at the Annecy Animation Festival's Perspectives sidebar. This marks Pérez's fourth short film, which she dedicates to her sister. She emphasizes that while the story of a child protagonist and her teenage sister is fictional, it draws from a collection of personal anecdotes and shared experiences from those close to her.
The 10-minute experimental drama, crafted using oil on paper in traditional 2D animation, portrays a woman's journey of self-discovery and reconciliation. She grapples with a past trauma shared with her sister, metaphorically represented by a 'strange being' within her. Pérez explains that the film is not merely a tribute to a sibling bond, but a profound exploration of intimacy, loss, and the delicate nature of feminine identity as expressed through the physical form. She reflects on how the body is both impacted by life's events and, in turn, shapes our experiences, often creating a disconnect between mind and body that she sought to capture.
Looking ahead, Pérez is developing her inaugural animated feature, "My Dad the Truck," slated for a 2028 release. This upcoming film will explore the mending of a strained father-daughter relationship during a transformative journey from the countryside to the city. Pérez also shared her positive experiences at Annecy, highlighting the invaluable opportunities to connect with both the Latin American and global animation communities. She observes the rapid growth and maturation of the Colombian animation industry, particularly in the short film format, which encourages bold thematic and aesthetic experimentation. Despite the progress, she notes that financial challenges persist, as current funding mechanisms, while crucial, often fall short in supporting the time- and resource-intensive nature of animated productions compared to live-action filmmaking, sometimes forcing creative compromises.
María Cristina Pérez's work, exemplified by "Once in a Body," produced by Pez Dorado Animaciones in collaboration with Cartuna, showcases the power of animation to explore deeply human experiences. Her artistic vision and dedication to her craft not only push the boundaries of storytelling but also contribute significantly to the burgeoning presence of Colombian animation on the global stage. By drawing on authentic emotions and navigating complex themes, Pérez inspires audiences to reflect on their own connections and the journeys that shape them.