BC Premiere
Over ten years in the making, Return to Hairy Hill is an atmospheric, fictional tale of family folklore, inspired by a collection of memories about a story passed down through filmmaker Daniel Gies’ family. As the film unfolds, Ethel’s childhood ends abruptly when her mother flies away, leaving Ethel alone to care for an isolated homestead and her younger siblings. As a merciless winter descends upon them, she must decide whether to resign herself to fate or to try her luck in the wide world… A haunting film with a captivating, unique animation style that evocatively pays tribute to family, loss, and memory; an outstanding film that stays, lingers, long after it’s over.
Grand Prix Guy-L.-Coté for le Meilleur film d’animation canadien (2023)
Canada
2023
No Dialogue
Indigenous & Community Access
Credits
Executive Producer
Archita Ghosh
Producer
Emily Paige
Screenwriter
Daniel Gies, Emily Paige
Cinematography
Sébastien Gros
Editor
Daniel Gies
Director
Daniel Gies
Daniel Gies learned everything he knows about computer animation and filmmaking through online tutorials and with the support of generous mentors along the way. A self-taught artist and animator, born and raised at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Western, Canada, Daniel has spent the last 17 years living and working in the vibrant city of Montreal, Quebec. Although he has collaborated with many directors and artists over his career, Return to Hairy Hill marks Daniel Gies’ first independent short film.
Filmography: Giant Bear (2018); Let There Be Light (2017); Brown Bear: What Are You Toxin About (2017)
VIFF Short Forum
See more shorts in this series
VIFF Short Forum 1
The Short Forum kicks off with an all-Canadian program.
VIFF Short Forum 2
Shorts from Canada, Finland, Japan, and the Netherlands.
VIFF Short Forum 3
Shorts from Canada, Hungary, Iran, Japan, Macau, Taiwan, and USA.
VIFF Short Forum 4
Shorts from Brazil, Kenya, Martinique, Mexico, Taiwan, and USA.
VIFF Short Forum 5
Shorts from Belgium, Canada, France, South Korea, Taiwan, and USA.
VIFF Short Forum 6
Shorts from Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Lebanon, Palestine, Slovenia, and Ukraine.
VIFF Short Forum 7
Shorts from Armenia, Canada, Tibet, Colombia, Japan, and Turkey.
VIFF Short Forum 8
Shorts from Canada, Hong Kong, Estonia, India, Japan, Mexico, and Spain.
VIFF Short Forum 9
Shorts from Australia, Canada, France, and South Korea.
Short Fuse
A unique collection of Canadian and International shorts: charming, funny, even a bit scary. These filmmakers bring unique stories to screen, showcasing animated imaginary and natural worlds, Indigenous futurist tales, and experiences from the everyday.