Kali The Little Vampire 2012
Distributed by National Film Board of Canada, 1123 Broadway, Suite 307, New York, NY 10010; 800-542-2164
Produced by Ciclope Filmes, ONF/NFB, Folimage Studios, Studio GDS
Directed by Regina Pessoa
DVD , color, 9 min.
Jr. High - General Adult
Animation, Short Films
Date Entered: 07/11/2013
Reviewed by Sebastian DerryChristopher Plummer narrates as Kali, a vampire in old age, recalling his vampire childhood. As a young boy he yearns to be just like other children his age, yet is consigned to live in and watch the world from the shadows. Loneliness and isolation are universal themes, particularly in vampire lore, but Portuguese animator Regina Pessoa gives her unique take—lovingly and hauntingly rendered— through Kali’s story and who accomplishes in under 10 minutes what a multiplex filled with Twilight movies fails to do.
The look of the film is stunning. Rendered in panoramic widescreen with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, the animation was created using digital engravings on a tablet computer. The result is a swirling, dynamic woodcut come to life.
The disc is subtitled with both English and French audio tracks, and includes a brief “Making of” video.
Recommended for all libraries.