Zeria (with short "Brutalia, Days of Labour")

The year 2056. Gaspard is the last man who stayed on Earth after a global collapse and mass migration to Mars. Zeria, his grandson whom he has never met, is the first human born on Mars. Zeria receives a video message from Gaspard, who is hoping that he may get to hold his grandson in his arms before he dies... Zeria would be the first human being to make a return to planet Earth… This hauntingly beautiful mixed-media work is reminiscent of Svankmajer and the Brothers Quay.

“A wondrous and enlightening celebration of all the things that make us human. Using a combination of miniature sets, practical effects, and puppet-like masks, Cleven creates a breathtaking and unforgettable world that’s mesmerizing, comforting, and terrifying all at the same time.” –Elements of Madness

Director Harry Cleven (b. 1956, Liège) is a Belgian actor and director of films that “blur the line between fantasy and magic realism,” including Duplicity (2005), Mr. Nobody (2009), and Why Get Married the Day the World Ends? (2000). This is his first animated feature. 

Writer/Director: Harry Cleven

Cast: Johan Leysen (Voice-Over) / Coralie Vanderlinden, Merlin Delens (Puppeteers)

Year: 2021

Run Time: 1hr 1min

Country: Belgium Language: French

Genre: Surreal Sci-Fi Mixed-Media Hybrid

Premiere: Festival du nouveau cinéma de Montréal