(courtesy First Showing (c) Adult Swims)
SNAPSHOT
“Wilem is the story of a sensitive prince, living in a brutal world. With the help of his friend he attempts to escape not only his royal duties, but also, his crazy family.” Wilem is an animated short film created & written by London-based director James Papper [and] co-directed by animation filmmakers James Papper and Bárbara Oliveira. Produced by Roxanne Sibilski & Molly Turner for Blink Industries. Featuring a sound mix by Charlie Pelling. Created within Adult Swim’s “Smalls” program – short form animated releases by up-and-coming creators around the world. Papper explains: “My ultimate aspiration is to develop this world into something I can build and share with friends so that going to work just feels like playtime.” Oliveira adds: “I’m delighted to share with the world this sneak peek into Wilem’s chaotic family and kingdom. (courtesy First Showing)
I absolutely love Wilem.
It’s a fantastically fun and whimsically animated film which asks what lengths you’d go to be your own person?
It’s a simple question with no easy answer, especially when you’re the princely son of a ruler who trolls neighbouring kingdoms via email and who thinks the perfect birthday gift for his son is a war started in his name.
His dad wants Wilem to be a warrior and murders lots of people, his mum thinks that a delightful way to mark a 16th birthday and his sister, who wants to get out and actually do the fighting that gamer Wilem most assuredly does not want to do, is unimpressed at her sibling’s complete and utter lack of bloodlust.
It’s an hilarious clash of existential crises and bloodthirsty destiny and it’s a huge amount of very silly, emotionally meaningfully entertaining fun.
Please let this become a series sooner rather than later because we all need some existential laughs and frankly we need them yesterday.