Global digital indie film studio Insurgence (insurgence.co) has acquired the U.S. distribution of the highly acclaimed and multi-award-winning animated short film, Mila, it was announced by Niccolo Messina, CEO of Insurgence.
Insurgence will release the film on its popular digital platform September 2 in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of World War II.
Written and directed by noted animator Cinzia Angelini (Hitpig, Sharkarma), produced by Andrea Emmes (Hidden Worlds) and executive produced by independent producer and industry journalist Valentina Martelli together with Valerio Oss of Pixel Cartoon, Mila burgeoned into a massive volunteer-based project, with over 350 animation professionals from 35 countries participating in what became the largest independent virtual animation studio ever created.
Released in Italy through deals orchestrated by executive producer Martelli, Mila went on to earn more than 80 festival nominations and awards, including:
- St. Louis International Film Festival Best of Fest Audience Choice Awards – Online Best Narrative Short and Best Animated Short
- Cartoons on the Bay – Best Animated Short
- Festival Internazionale del Cinema di Salerno – Best Animated Short
- Giffoni Film Festival – Gryphon Award – Best Short Film, Elements +10
- Hollywood Women’s Film Institute: Hollywood Women’s International – Best Animated Short Film and Best Short Film Director U.S.
- ITTV Festival 2021 – Kineo Humanitarian Award
- Via dei Corti – Dirty Dozen Award for Best Director
- WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival – Platinum Remi Award
The CG animated short film follows the story of Mila, a little girl whose life takes an unexpected turn during World War II. After losing her family, Mila is rescued by a young woman who aids in her escaping a devastating bombardment. With a worn-out hat and a tattered carousel ticket as her only possessions, Mila and the woman manage to get through the war-torn night. Confronted with their losses and drawn together through their ordeal, they find salvation in each other and leave to build a new life together.
″Mila is set in my mother’s hometown of Trento, Italy, and is the story of a girl and two women, caught in the bombing of Trento in 1943. I want to show the impact that conflict has on innocent civilians, and especially on their children,” said Angelini. “Most of all, I seek to celebrate their strength, resilience, and the hope that they cling to as they fight for their very survival. This girl, now a woman, who inspired me to create this movie, was a child of WWII. She is also my mother.”
The production began with Pixel Cartoon, Martelli’s IbiscusMedia, the Trento Film Commission and Fondazione Cassa Rurale in Trento, Italy later joined the team, followed by partnerships with such prominent sponsors as Aniventure and Cinesite, UNICEF Italy, Toon Boom Animation, SideFX and Dog Head Animation. Ultimately, the Mila virtual production team comprised four core groups — U.S.A, Italy, Mexico and United Kingdom — together with professional artists in Italy, Australia, India, France, Belgium, Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Spain and more who contributed in a variety of voluntary capacities.
“Mila reminds us that children are the most serious victims of war, and they should never have to endure them. Mila may be a short film, but it is incredibly powerful with a story that is both memorable and inspiring as much as it is a warning to those holding the reins of power. As we speak, children are facing conflict in every continent across the globe, and it is vital that we bring this important animated film to the US market,” said Messina.
