Water plays an essential part in the film. “This ecological viewpoint is a very important issue as the continuity of the most important values — the life in the earth,” says Laas.

Finding answers is not Laas’ primary goal as an artist; he is more interested in stimulating his audience. “For me it is actually very important to activate the viewer — to inspire them to feel or think or follow something on their own. Sometimes art makes people very passive, but sometimes active dreams or visions can follow us through life — even when we will never find the dream book that will explain it in logical way through words.”

Engaging viewers has not been an easy task for Laas. His films are complex and somewhat abstract. Audiences — especially in Estonia — have struggled to embrace his films “I don’t try to make esoteric films,” says Laas. “For me, they are quite clear. I don’t like to destroy things. I think it’s more interesting to unite. Everything has a connection with something else. I like people to talk and communicate so that we are not alone or separated. This is my basic aim.”

Chris Robinson has been with the Ottawa International Animation Festival since 1991. A noted animation critic, curator and historian, he has become a leading expert on Canadian and international independent animation. His acclaimed OIAF programming has been regarded as both thoughtful and provocative. In May 2004, Robinson was the recipient of the President’s Award given by the New York chapter of animators for contributions to the promotion of independent animation.

His books include Between Genius and Utter Illiteracy: A Story of Estonian Animation, Ottawa Senators: Great Stories from the NHL’s First Dynasty, Unsung Heroes of Animation, Great Left Wingers and Stole This From a Hockey Card: A Philosophy of Hockey, Doug Harvey, Identity & Booze.

An anthology of Robinson’s Animation Pimp columns will be published in 2006. He is working on Fathers of Night, a novel about angels, devils and everything in-between. Robinson lives in Ottawa with his wife, Kelly, and sons, Jarvis and Harrison.