Rob Munday

Sometimes I look to the world of short films to witness innovative production and sometimes I look to challenge myself with experimental storytelling…but sometimes…sometimes, I just want to be entertained! And that’s exactly what you get with EMCA grad film 3+1 – a 7-minute stop-motion short featuring some excellent character design and a bonkers storyline…this is non-stop, grin-inducing fun.

With fellow EMCA film Video_souvenir, ISART DIGITAL short Tombes & Manèges and our GOBELINS lécole de l’image round-up all featuring on the site recently, the last few months have been a productive time for French animation on Short of the Week. And 3+1 is another strong example of why we always look forward to seeing what comes from the imaginations of these France-based students. Combining a charming DIY aesthetic with a farcical narrative, this is a film that feels playful and free of restriction, a film that really brings out the inner-child, without ever feeling like it’s trying too hard to be intentionally family-friendly or “cartoonish”. Its ridiculous storyline making it feel both frivolous and instantly likeable, bringing immediate joy whilst watching, whilst still being memorable enough to reverborate long after watching.

3+1 is just one of a number of films from the EMCA stable that has impressed this year. If you’re hungry for more from the French School, we’d heartily recommend checking out 3/4 oz : Trois quarts d’once, DARK NIGHT BRIGHT STARS and Bûche Royale or check out their Vimeo channel and see which ones you like best.