One of the 14 Golden Lions won by Brazil in Cannes this year went to six graduates of Univille: Daniel Maia, Rafael Monti, Vinicius Kluge, Victor Balestrin, Alan José Dias, and Nicole Lia Rêgo da Silva. The graduates of the undergraduate course in Digital Animation Design at Univille are part of the post-production team of the film Ashe Versus, which in addition to the Golden Lion also took home a Bronze Lion, both in the Film Craft category.
The work is signed by The Youth with Colossal, an animation studio of which Daniel Maia is a partner, in partnership with the North American agency TBWA\Health.
"Winning this award is an honor, especially in the technical animation category, which is so demanding. This victory is a milestone in our career, reflecting years of dedication to technical excellence in animation," says Daniel. "Working with former collegemates up to nowadays is a unique experience, which makes it even more special to receive recognition at an award like Cannes. We are proud to represent Joinville and Univille in international awards," he adds.
Colossal also worked on the production of the Grand Prix winner in the Digital Craft category, Spreadbeats, during the 71st edition of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, considered the largest global event for the creative media, communications and advertising industry.
For Professor Fernanda Pozza da Costa, coordinator of the Design course at Univille, it is a source of pride to see graduates being recognized on the national and international scene.
Since early, they have shown an entrepreneurial spirit, contributing significantly to their production company and to the market. Since college, they have demonstrated an exceptional talent that has only improved over the years. This achievement does not surprise us, as they are truly very talented and their work is incredible," Professor Fernanda emphasizes. "We have followed their growth closely, they are constant partners in events such as GAMPI, and we are always in touch. We are very happy and proud to see our graduates standing out worldwide," she adds.
Daniel highlights that, in addition to individual achievement, the group is happy to contribute to the Brazilian animation market.
"Animation in Brazil is constantly evolving, and it's exciting to be part of this growth. Maintaining ties with academia and inspiring new generations are essential for the future of the industry. We greatly value the connections we've made over the years, both with collegemates and with young talents entering the market. We look forward to meeting again at Univille", concludes Daniel.
The film
Ashe Versus is an example in craftsmanship due to its meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach to storytelling. From the production design and casting to the integration of animation and original score, every element exhibits a high level of craftsmanship. The recreation of historical settings, the portrayal of characters, and the fusion of live-action and animated sequences demonstrate excellence in production, design, and storytelling. The dedication to authenticity and creativity is evident in every frame.
The film focuses on Arthur Ashe, a former US tennis player, civil rights activist, and health educator who was also the first black man to win a Grand Slam, the world tennis circuit. He was known for being a stylish rebel. The former tennis player died in 1993 from problems associated with AIDS, disease he had revealed to the world the previous year.The short film pays homage to Ashe's style, both on and off the court. Voice recordings, photos, and archive footage were brought together in this piece, which shines for the quality of its animation. With information from the Creative Club and Brands Around the World.