A recent Montreal-produced motion picture has achieved significant success by clinching one of the film industry’s top accolades. “The Girl Who Cried Pearls,” a 17-minute stop-motion film crafted by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, secured the Oscar for best animated short film at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony.
The storyline follows a young impoverished boy and a girl whose tears transform into pearls, delving into themes of love, greed, and the repercussions of exploiting someone’s suffering. During their acceptance speech, Lavis and Szczerbowski expressed gratitude to their families for unwavering support, humorously acknowledging the patience required in creating a puppet film.
The filmmaking duo extended their appreciation to the collaborative community that contributed to the film’s realization, including the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), the producers, and various talented collaborators such as Brigitte Henry, Patrick Watson, Colm Feore, and James Heinemann. Szczerbowski particularly highlighted the invaluable support from their neighborhood and the talented pool of artists in Montreal and across Canada.
In a post-win interview, Szczerbowski shared a poignant reflection on his family’s journey from Poland to Canada in pursuit of a better life, emphasizing the emotional significance of their achievement. The film prominently showcases Montreal, and Lavis emphasized how the city’s essence influenced the storytelling, particularly set in 1912-13.
The film’s inception traces back to a moment years prior when a mishap during filming involving tears and pearls sparked the creative direction. Producer Christine Noël highlighted the collaborative effort behind the film’s success, emphasizing the importance of community in filmmaking.
“The Girl Who Cried Pearls” was produced by the NFB, marking the organization’s 12th Oscar victory. While it marks the first Oscar triumph for Lavis and Szczerbowski, their longstanding partnership began with the 2007 short film “Madame Tutli-Putli.” The NFB noted this as the beginning of a remarkable 20-year collaboration.
In Canada, “The Girl Who Cried Pearls” is accessible for free on NFB.ca, YouTube, and all NFB apps, aiming to showcase the exceptional animation talent emerging from Montreal and beyond.