A small independent film from Montreal has achieved significant success by winning a prestigious award in the film industry. “The Girl Who Cried Pearls,” created by filmmakers Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, was honored with the Oscar for best animated short film at this year’s Academy Awards. 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 their unwavering support. Reflecting on the lengthy five-year process of creating the puppet film, Lavis humorously mentioned that it requires patience not just in filmmaking but also in living with someone dedicated to such a project. The duo acknowledged the collaborative effort that brought the movie to life, mentioning the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), producers, and various talented individuals who contributed to the project.
Szczerbowski gave a special shoutout to their supportive neighborhood and the talented artistic community they had the privilege to collaborate with, emphasizing their deep appreciation for Montreal and Canada. In a post-win interview, Szczerbowski shared a touching anecdote about his parents’ journey from Poland to Canada for a better life, underscoring the emotional connection to the country’s success.
“The Girl Who Cried Pearls” showcases Montreal as a central element, with the city playing a pivotal role in shaping the narrative. The inspiration for the film dates back several years, sparked by a poignant moment during a film shoot when a pearl necklace broke, leading to a creative revelation years later.
Producer Christine Noël highlighted the collective effort of the creative community in achieving this milestone, emphasizing the collaborative nature of filmmaking and expressing hope that the film’s recognition will showcase Montreal’s animation talent to a wider audience. The short film, produced by NFB, marked the organization’s 12th Oscar win and celebrated the beginning of a successful collaboration between Lavis, Szczerbowski, and the NFB.
“The Girl Who Cried Pearls” is now accessible for free in Canada on NFB.ca, YouTube, and all NFB apps, allowing audiences to experience the award-winning animation firsthand.