The Ottawa International Animation Festival lands on Sept. 24 through to Sept. 28. The festival showcases the work from animators across the globe, from Finland to France, Estonia and beyond. Among all these selections, only one hails from the festival’s host city of Ottawa. Brennan Bova, and his short film Join will be joining us in the ‘Commissioned Animation’ section of the OIAF this year.
Join is a touching short animated film about the importance of community as told by a group of little yellow ducks. Inspired by Ottawa’s very own welcoming network of creatives, Bova now has the opportunity to give back to that very community on the OIAF big screen.
Apt613 caught up with Bova to talk about his journey as an artist as well as his desire to reconnect with animation and celebrate community through Join.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Apt613: What first inspired you to get into animation?
Brennan Bova: Funnily enough, it was the Ottawa Animation Festival. In high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but we went on a class trip to OIAF. Seeing that animation was something you could study and pursue as a career really changed things for me. I’d always loved cartoons, but it hadn’t clicked that it’s something I could do until then. So being part of the festival now is a full-circle moment.
What does it mean to you to have Join at the OIAF?
Honestly, it’s beyond my wildest dreams. Last year a film I worked on, Hey, Man, was screened, which was amazing. But with Join, I was really hoping I’d get into this festival, and I did it. Not to downplay any other achievements, but this is the one I really hoped I’d get. It feels incredible. I’m also looking forward to checking out and getting inspired by a bunch of other new films as well.
Tell me a bit about your background in this line of work.
I’ve been drawing and making art for 15 years now, but I also studied at the Vancouver Film School. It was an intense one-year crash course — sink or swim — but it gave me the foundation I needed. I think you get as much out of a school like that as you put in. I’ve worked in the industry for years, mostly in rigging and design. With Join, I wanted to return to animating itself.
How did Join come about?
It started with a local event called Animation Show & Tell, where artists share their works-in-progress stuff. Every year I try to have something made for it, regardless of whether it’s finished or perfect. It’s a lot less high stakes than something like a festival, so there’s less skin in the game so to speak. I was getting the itch to make something just for the joy of animating again, so I created this duck character. Later, I connected with a YouTube channel, JHS EXTRA, that makes effects pedals and used one of their tracks to animate to. What began as practice turned into a proper short film.
What’s the theme at the heart of the film?
Community. I was so inspired by people coming together for the Animation Show & Tell, and seeing this visible, tangible sense of the animation community. It was so heartwarming to see so many likeminded people celebrating something that they love. Ottawa’s animation scene is so supportive and welcoming, and that really inspired me.
How would you describe Ottawa’s animation community?
Small but mighty. It’s not as big as Toronto, but it’s just as dedicated. It’s a difficult time right now as there’s a lot of people who want to work, but not enough work to go around unfortunately. But what I like best about the community here in Ottawa is how supportive and welcoming everyone is. I couldn’t have made this film without the help and support of other people and it’s been lovely to feel that sense of community push me forward as I’ve been making this. It isn’t a competition, people really want you to succeed.
Your work is very visually diverse, how would you describe the visual style of the film?
I really wanted to keep it simple: one continuous shot, one background. Because of that, I had to put a lot of thought into that one background. I was inspired by UPA shorts, Looney Tunes, and early Disney, that’s always been my favourite visual style for cartoons. I used digital tools to create the film, so it has a modern feel to it, but I kept it rooted in those classic techniques and styles, but with a contemporary twist.
Since you’re the only Ottawa-based filmmaker at OIAF this year, how does it feel to represent your city?
It’s a little daunting, but also an honour. I love Ottawa and I love this festival, so I’m more than happy to represent. I’m just glad there is somebody based in Ottawa to represent it, rather than nobody at all. The film isn’t about Ottawa, but it was inspired by this community, so in a way, it’s a reflection of it.
What’s a misconception people have about animation as an art form?
I think a big one is that people kind of dismiss it as something for children. I get it, it’s easy to make something more bombastic, colourful and simple in a cartoon form, which does lend itself to childhood viewing. But Guillermo Del Toro has gone on the record and said it’s just a medium, and you can convey something to any audience with it. It’s just a matter of how you approach it.
You can catch Join at the Ottawa International Animation Festival, running Sept. 24–28. For more information about screenings and the full festival lineup, visit their website. Join is also available to watch online now via the JHS Extra YouTube channel.
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