Tea time with Manivald
An interview with Chintis Lundgren, director of Manivald
What gave you the idea of using foxes and wolves to tell this story?
I like to use anthropomorphic characters because it’s easier for the viewer to identify themselves with animals than it would be with human characters. And if you do identify with a character and recognize yourself in them, it gives you a chance to laugh over your own silliness and stupidity in a more distant way.
What did you want to explore in the dynamics between the characters?
I wanted to make a story about a mother-and-son relationship and in order to make it more tense and to give them something to fight over, I introduced a mutual love interest – a sexy plumber. I also tried to make something that might inspire 30-somethings who still live at home to move out. Or at least be careful if their washing machine breaks down unexpectedly.
Can you tell us about your animation style?
It’s just the only way I know to draw and animate. I’m also very lazy, so I try to simplify everything: the design, the action and I even like to keep the amount of different colours at a minimum.
What is your background as an animator? How did you set up your own studio?
I never studied animation, I ended up in animation by accident. I used to be a painter but I had a creative crisis and while I was waiting for the crisis to pass, I made some animation just for fun. But then I realised that I like animation more and I never went back to painting. After a few years of making animation on the side, never applying for funding etc., I decided to take things to the next level and opened my own studio. It’s basically just a one-person company but it’s enough to apply for national funding in Estonia and lately I’ve even been doing co-productions with other countries.
Are you interested in other genres or formats?
I find all kinds of genres and formats interesting. But I’m not sure I have talent for anything besides animated comedies. Also, I like to work alone or in a very small group, so making a live-action film (which interests me a lot) would be challenging.
What sort of freedom would you say the short format allows?
I mostly feel that it restricts you to write shorter stories.
If you’ve already been to Clermont-Ferrand, could you share with us an anecdote or story from the festival? If not, what are your expectations for this year?
I’ve never been but I hear that even though it’s a big festival, it’s as friendly and awesome as many smaller ones. Looking forward to share some strong alcoholic drinks with fellow filmmakers.
Manivald is being shown in International Competition I3.
