Cyclists (film)
{{short description|2018 Croatian-French animated short film}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Cyclists
| native_name =
| image = File:Cyclists2018poster.jpg
| caption = Poster
| director = Veljko Popović
| producer =
| writer =
| starring =
| music =
| cinematography =
| studio = Lemonade3d
Bagan Films
3D2D Animatori
| distributor = Bonobostudio
| released = {{Film date|2018|01||Annecy}}
| runtime = 8 minutes
| country = Croatia
France
| language = Croatian
| budget =
}}
Cyclists is a 2018 Croatian-French animated short film by Veljko Popović, internationally co-produced and distributed by Bonobostudio.{{Cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/animationworld/i-have-question-veljko-popovi|title=I Have a Question Veljko Popović|website=Animation World Network}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.zippyframes.com/index.php/shorts/cyclists-by-veljko-popovic|title=Cyclists by Veljko Popović|first=Z. F.|last=Team|date=July 21, 2020|website=Zippy Frames}}
Synopsis
The short is described as a comedy set in a small Mediterranean town, having unique aesthetics with vivid colors of summer as inspired by the art of Vasko Lipovac.{{Cite web|url=https://www.calvertjournal.com/articles/show/10438/cyclists-watch-award-winnng-film-inspired-by-croatian-artist-vasko-lipovac|title=Cyclists: Watch the award-winning film inspired by Croatian artist Vasko Lipovac|first=Katie Marie|last=Davies|website=The Calvert Journal}}{{Cite web|url=https://lesterbanks.com/2020/07/cyclists-by-veljko-popovic-produced-by-prime-render-studios/|title=Cyclists by Veljko Popovic, produced by Prime Render Studios|date=July 26, 2020}} The idea derived from a notable installation of 60 cyclists by the artist.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tportal.hr/kultura/clanak/slavni-biciklisti-vaska-lipovca-ozivjeli-u-animiranom-filmu-foto-20180316|title=Slavni biciklisti Vaska Lipovca oživjeli u animiranom filmu|website=tportal.hr}} The cycling season is nearing its grand finale. During the final race, the two men in the lead are competing for more than the Grand Trophy; they are fighting for the affection of a lady and fulfilment of their erotic fantasies.{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstshowing.net/2020/watch-amusing-animated-short-film-cyclists-from-veljko-popovic/|title=Watch: Amusing Animated Short Film 'Cyclists' from Veljko Popovic | FirstShowing.net|website=www.firstshowing.net}} It is described as "In a small town next to the sea in Croatia, the cycling season is at its peak. During the final race the two leaders are not just battling for the grand prize, but also for the affection of a lady and fulfillment of their erotic fantasy."{{Cite web|url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/cartoon-brew-pick/short-pick-of-the-day-cyclists-by-veljko-popovic-195319.html|title=Short Pick Of The Day: 'Cyclists' by Veljko Popovic|date=August 11, 2020|website=Cartoon Brew}}{{Cite web|url=https://vimeo.com/blog/post/cyclists-veljko-popovic-staff-pick-premiere/|title=Staff Pick Premiere: "Cyclists" by Veljko Popović|date=July 22, 2020|website=Vimeo Blog}}
Development
Veljko Popović closely studied Vasko Lipovac's art and variously experimented with CGI and 3D animation, trying to create character poses not seen in his art.
Reception
The short premiered at Animafest in June 2018, where it won the award for Best Croatian Film. It won further awards at Hiroshima International Animation Festival, Betina Film Festival, Linoleum Festival and Croatian Film Days as well as getting a Jury Award at Annecy.{{Cite web|url=https://www.croatiaweek.com/film-inspired-by-famous-croatian-artist-wins-prestigious-international-award/|title=Film Inspired by Famous Croatian Artist Wins Prestigious International Award|website=Croatia Week}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.skwigly.co.uk/veljko-popovic-cyclists/|title=Intimate Animation: Veljko Popović ('Cyclists')|date=September 19, 2018}} It was a staff pick at Vimeo and daily pick at Cartoon Brew. In 2023 the short was selected for the international competition of the 17th International Cycling Film Festival.
=Awards=
- Annecy (jury distinction for short film, 2018)
- Hiroshima (special prize, 2018)
- Animafest Zagreb (best Croatian film, 2018)
- Krok (grand prix, 2018).
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- Watch [https://vimeo.com/440460140 Cyclists] at Vimeo
- {{IMDb title|8119856}}