CAROUSEL

Animation,

Mexico

2025

Runtime, min

One cold Christmas day, a Venetian carousel appeared in the square of a Mexican city San Luis Potosi. It became a very popular entertainment. Not only children wanted to ride it, but also adults. For old people who had lived a long and difficult life, it evoked warm nostalgic memories, for lovers it lifted them to the heavens of their beautiful feelings, and even people who were stern by nature felt a little like children.

Director:

Nadia Samarina

Selections and Awards:

REVIEWS:

How lovely!

Antonio Fernandez Lopez

The film feels like a warm dream on a cold night

Alfredo Gaitanaros

The visual language here is exquisite. The blend of loose ink sketching with digital color spots creates a 'living memory' effect. I love the contrast: the cold, deep blue of the night against the bright, almost neon splashes of turquoise and pink on the carousel. It’s a visual metaphor for warmth amidst the winter chill.

David Jilla

Interesting choice of frame rate and line style. The lines jitter and have a life of their own, like in old sketches. The lighting is done especially cool. It’s not realistic, but emotional. You can see how the carousel's aura illuminates the grey daily life of the city.

Lorena Bezerra

Too sweet for me. Everyone is happy, everyone is smiling, even stern men turn into children? I don't know. But I have to admit, it's drawn stylishly. The whale and the tiger on the carousel look funny, not as banal as the usual horses.

Liam Jones