PRELUDE ON THE SEA*
A man (represented by a mouse) sets sail on a journey without a map. He doesn’t know where he is going, or what he is searching for. But a bad accident sets his cap towards an unexpected friendship, and Aristotle discovers the greatest treasure of life. This allegorical film combines the art of hand puppetry with landscapes shot on Kamenjak peninsula, Croatia. The unique look of the film was created by combining old-style optical compositing techniques with handmade sets and puppets, while a powerful and emotional score masterfully breaks the barrier between the viewer and the puppet.
STUDIO ARISTO, MÖRBISCH AM SEE, REPUBLIC OF AUSTRIA
They are a trio of artists working in theatre and music. In 2021, after having lots of fun shooting their experimental puppet opera Toadette during COVID-19, they decided it was their calling to commit their work to film. And so, Studio Aristo was born.
Their concept is to create films that blend live action hand puppetry with nature’s evocative landscapes. This unique combination has an organic and homemade style that represents the imperfections that are human and beautiful, and irreplaceable by newer technologies. They are currently located in Austria.