The film The flying sailor produced by the National Film Board, was shortlisted for the Oscars in the category of best animated short.
The approximately 8-minute wordless production tells the story of a sailor who survives a cataclysmic explosion in his home port. Catapulted by the explosion produced by the collision of two ships, he then sees his life pass before his eyes. He replays in his almost astral lurch the good and bad times of his life at sea and contemplates the fragility of life.
This story is based on the unlikely but true story of Charles Mayers. In December 1917, in the port of Halifax, the French munitions ship Mont-Blanc and the Norwegian rescue ship Imo collide with each other and cause the biggest explosion caused by man before that of the atomic bombs.
The port of Halifax is leveled by the explosion of these munitions destined for the front. More than 2000 people were killed and 9000 others were injured in this disaster.
One of the victims, Mr. Mayers was thrown more than a kilometer by the blast of the detonation. Miraculously, he survived this tragedy. It is said that he only had these boots left on his feet when he woke up.
Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby are directing this film. Their 2D and 3D animation work has so far won eight awards and a mention, with the two most recent awards coming in December 2022 at the Los Angeles Animation Festival.
About fifteen short films were selected in this category of the Oscars among 81 candidates. The five nominees will be announced on January 24.
The 95th Academy Awards are to be held on March 12.
To see in video