A Montreal-produced film has recently achieved significant success by winning a prestigious award in the film industry. “The Girl Who Cried Pearls,” crafted by filmmakers Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, clinched the Oscar for best animated short film at this year’s Academy Awards. This 17-minute stop-motion creation narrates the tale of a young, impoverished boy and a girl whose tears transform into pearls, delving into themes of love, greed, and the repercussions of exploiting someone’s suffering. During their acceptance speech, Lavis and Szczerbowski expressed gratitude to their families for unwavering support, humorously highlighting the patience required for a five-year puppet film project. The duo extended thanks to the collaborative community that brought the movie to fruition, acknowledging the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), show producers, and other exceptional partners like Brigitte Henry, Patrick Watson, Colm Feore, and James Heinemann. Szczerbowski also gave a special shoutout to the vibrant Montreal neighborhood and the talented artist community, emphasizing their pride in representing the city and Canada.
In a post-win interview, Szczerbowski shared a poignant story of his family’s journey from Poland to Canada, underscoring the emotional impact of their success on his parents. The film itself showcases Montreal prominently, with Lavis emphasizing how the city influenced the storytelling process, particularly set in 1912-13 Montreal. The film’s inception traces back to a scene mishap where a pearl necklace broke, leading to the creative spark that evolved into the final production. Producer Christine Noël highlighted the collaborative effort behind the victory, emphasizing the role of the creative community in filmmaking.
While this marked the first Oscar win for Lavis and Szczerbowski, their earlier nomination for the 2007 short film “Madame Tutli-Putli” laid the foundation for their longstanding collaboration recognized by the NFB. “The Girl Who Cried Pearls” is available for viewing on NFB.ca, YouTube, and all NFB apps, offering audiences a glimpse into the award-winning creativity emerging from Montreal.