Jean-François Lévesque / Canada / 2008 / 13 min / Grade 5+
This skillful, finely detailed animation using puppets and animated drawings exposes the dehumanizing effects of futile work and the fading of youthful aspirations. A two-dimensional boss deceives Valentin, a faithful employee working in a dead-end job. He nonetheless struggles against absurdity with humanity and hope. On his 40th birthday he rediscovers an old accordion hidden in a closet and regains the joy of life.
Screens again at 11:45am as part of Reel Focus program: Animation Nation
Director Jean-François Lévesque