Lusófona professor and acclaimed animation director, Lea Vidaković, has achieved a remarkable milestone as her animated short film secures a spot on the Oscars longlist for Best Animated Short Film. Directed by Vidaković and produced in collaboration with Draško Ivezić, Jean-François Le Corre, and Nikolina Vučetić Zečević, the film was co-produced by Adriatic Animation, Vivement Lundi, and Biberche Productions.
The film tells the story of a seemingly serene Sunday afternoon in a grand aristocratic home just before World War I. This tranquillity is disrupted when Andras and his daughter Zsófia receive an unexpected visit from Andras’s brother, Zoltan, and his large twelve-member family. Through poetic, darkly humorous scenes, Vidaković explores themes of family dynamics and social complexities, unravelling the intricacies of relationships and tensions in a powerful, visually arresting way.
In addition to being shortlisted for the prestigious Cezar Academy Award in France (with final results to be announced in January), the film recently won an Émile Award (European Animation Award) for Best Sound and Music.
The film's journey to the Oscars was paved by its win at the Guadalajara International Film Festival in Mexico, where it was awarded the prestigious Rigo Mora Award for Best International Animated Short Film. This qualifying award not only highlights Vidaković’s storytelling prowess but also showcases the growing recognition of animated films within global cinematic communities.
Vidaković’s achievement reflects the growing prominence of Lusófona University’s contributions to the international film and animation industries, inspiring both students and colleagues as her film continues its journey toward the Oscars.