The amazing animations of Lotte Reiniger

January is a time to stay at home, get cosy and hibernate after the excesses of the Christmas period. Its a cold, dark month which can be a little tricky for me, having grown up in the sunny climes of Portugal, but I have learnt to get cosy, light candles, and get making and baking.
I would like to share one of my favourite artists/animators, called Lotte Reiniger. She was one of the first people to make a feature animation, well before Walt Disney. An amazing artist who cuts out intricate silhouettes to tell us stories, she has made this specific animation technique her own genre. Taking inspiration from the art of shadow plays in Indonesia and China and recreating it for the big screen. She once likened her work to ancient cave drawings, describing herself as "a primitive caveman artist".
If you have the time and love fairy tales, have a look at her animations either on youtube or BFI Screen online (you have to be a member to watch clips). You can also find a short clip of Hansel and Gretel on our Facebook page, I hope you enjoy! https://www.facebook.com/ConsciousCraft