With humor, humility, and a curious cat by her side, Oscar-winning animator Torill Kove gives viewers an exclusive look at the creative process behind her latest acclaimed short film, ‘Maybe Elephants.’
Oscar-winning animator Torill Kove has shared with AWN an exclusive look at the creative process she used to produce her latest acclaimed short film, Maybe Elephants.
Beginning with her unique bubble diagram story guides, Kove invites us on a reflective journey through her artistic process, family history and the elusive, often unreliable nature of memory. A thematic sequel to her Oscar-nominated autobiographical film Me and My Moulton, Maybe Elephants revisits a later chapter in her family’s past, weaving nostalgia with introspection to explore hazy recollections and intricate family dynamics.
Kove excavates memories, both sharp and blurry, to delve into the complex relationships between parents and children. She recalls her family’s small-town Norwegian roots, her parents’ eclectic personalities, and the challenges they faced when moving to the larger and unfamiliar Nairobi - a transition that left a lasting impression on each family member in unique ways.
This intimate yet universal journey showcases Kove’s ability to intertwine personal experiences with broader reflections. Her openness and humor bring depth to her insights into memory - how we remember, what we forget, and whether it truly matters - making them both compelling and relatable. The result is a thoughtful examination of family bonds, the stories we hold onto, and the subtle nuances that shape our past and present.
Kove’s new film Maybe Elephants has already been selected by more than 25 festivals, including the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, LA’s Animation Is Film and AFI FEST, the Toronto International Film Festival and Ottawa International Animation Festival. Maybe Elephants was co-produced by the National Film Board of Canada and Mikrofilm.
Maybe Elephants | Trailer
