Annecy gives a Special Cristal Award to Jerzy Kucia
Born in Poland in 1942, Jerzy Kucia has created a considerable body of work over the last 40 years. From his debut short film, The Return (Powrót, 1972), he has consistently relied on musical structures, giving rhythm and melody a central place.
As a graduate of the Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków, where he studied painting, graphic arts, and animation, he has served as the head of the academy’s animation department since 1980. His involvement as both a creator and teacher has helped him extend his influence on young Polish and foreign directors.
Showing technical complexity and using drawing, photography, and images from various sources, Kucia’s films prefigure the now widespread mixing of media, as seen in Across the Field (Przez Pole, 1992) and Tuning Instruments (Strojenie Instrumentów, 2000).
As part of a strongly lyrical oeuvre based on a minimal storyline, these films convey a singular worldview, both cultivated and instinctive.
This Special Cristal Award highlights the importance of his masterful contributions and celebrates his commitment as the representative of Poland in the Asifa (International Animated Film Association) for many years, as well as his tenure as Vice-President of the association from 1994 to 1997.
The 2013 edition of the Annecy festival has selected Poland as its country of focus for this year's festival.
Watch Jerzy Kucia's Refleksy (1979):
Annecy Festival takes place from 10 to 15 June 2013.