Chris Buzelli designs Festival 2014 poster

The american illustrator and painter Chris Buzelli designed the poster for the next edition of the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival, which will take place from 31 January to 8 February 2014.

His oil paintings have appeared in many national publications, books and projects for design firms/advertising agencies. Currently he also shows his original paintings in various galleries throughout the US and teach once a week at RISD and SVA. Chris Buzelli was on the International Jury in Clermont-Ferrand last February.

Hi Chris,

Did the idea of a sense of place, with the inclusion of local landmarks, seem important to you in this context?
Yes, I felt it was important to include the city of Clermont-Ferrand in the poster. It is a really wonderful and enchanting location for the Short Film Festival and I wanted to visually portray this in the final oil painting.

– Can you give festival goers some clues about your colorful characters, and what you express through them?
The giant fly and the boy on the bike is totally inspired by the 2013 Grand Prix winner and one of my favorite films from the festival, Para Armar un Helicoptero. I couldn’t stop thinking about this impactful film and I wanted to re-interpret it in my own way. The giant mysterious/colorful fly was a perfect metaphorical parallel to the film-maker presenting his/her vision to the festival.

– You actually attended the Festival in 2013 on the international jury. How was this experience for you?
I had an incredible experience while attending and judging the Festival in 2013. I was welcomed graciously by the festival team and the other jury members. Each film was a visual treat and I feel so honored to have been a part of the entire experience.

Chris announces the grand jury prize and best animation prize.