The first-ever Portland Festival of Cinema. Animation & Technology (PFCAT) attracted thousands of visitors to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry early this month. The event showcased 119 films, including 111 World Premieres and Regional Premieres, and 68 animated films and shorts. On Sunday, August 6, the festival awarded filmmakers for their achievements and contributions to both cinema and animation, with 10 awards specifically dedicated to animated filmmaking.
“The competition was incredibly tight, and our wonderful jury had some tough choices, with many awards coming down to one-tenth of a point. All official selections, nominees and, of course, award winners, should feel great about what they have achieved,” commented festival co-director and co-founder Peter Issac Alexander.
Other 2023 festival highlights included a special presentation, screening and reception from two-time Oscar-nominated director and animator Bill Plympton, who showcased a retrospective and a sneak peak of his latest animated feature film, Slide. “Everyone loved seeing Mr. Plympton in person and were excited to get an early look at his next feature film Slide,” said Alexander. “It was an honor to screen the work of so many accomplished filmmakers and animators. We can’t wait for the 2024 festival!”
PFCAT Animation Winners:
- Best Animated Feature — Quantum Cowboys directed by Geoff Marslett
- Best 2D Animated Short — Echo directed by Sergio Kotsovoulos
- Best 3D Animation Short — Regular Rabbit directed by Eoin Duffy
- Best Animated Comedic Short — Critterz directed by Chad Nelson
- Best Experimental Animation — Of Wood directed by Owen Klatte
- Best Stop Motion Microshort — Sleepy directed by Rich Webber
- Best Animated Short Short — Cool for You directed by Sherene Strausberg
- Best Animated Short for Children — The Adventures of Baxter & Clyde directed by John Michaud
- Best Music Video — Peter Rotter – “Austin Karimloo” directed by Patricia Luna
- Best Student Film — Lonely Island directed by Kristie Kish
- Innovative Sound Experience — The Eye: Calanthek directed by Aaron Sims
- Visionary Use of Technology in a Short Film — Shelf Life directed by Peter Litwinowicz
The 2023 festival jury included several animation industry veterans, including Eric Adkins (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Shape Island, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, The Boxtrolls, Wendell & Wild), Akiko Ashley of Luminetik Productions, Signe Baumane (Rocks in My Pockets, My Love Affair with Marriage) and Peter Sorg (Chicken Run 2: Dawn of the Nugget, Coraline, Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie, Wendell & Wild).
Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology presents visionary and diverse works from filmmakers and animators. In 2022, the festival rebranded from its previous name, The International Festival of Cinema and Technology. Past festivals include more than 30 events in eight U.S. cities, three Australian cities, as well as numerous events in Toronto, Paris, Sydney and more.
