reviews

Hungarian Oscar Entry ‘Four Souls of Coyote’ Animates Native American Creation Myth to Reframe Story of Climate Crisis

"The festival, staged by the Red Nation Celebration Institute (RNCI) at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills, will open with Aron Gauder’s animation Four Souls Of Coyote, best feature jury award winner at this year’s Annecy..."

The festival, staged by the Red Nation Celebration Institute (RNCI) at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills, will open with Aron Gauder’s animation Four Souls Of Coyote, best feature jury award winner at this year’s Annecy, and Madison Thomas’ post-apocalyptic drama Finality Of Dusk.

The mere presence of director Jan Kounen on the Annecy Festival feature-film jury put "Four Souls of Coyote" in a strong position for a place on the list of winners. The Prix du Jury confirmed the hypothesis: the film's subject matter, deploying ecological issues through an animist/shamanist rereading of the cycle of life, could only speak to the man who, from "Blueberry" to "Darshan", had used his cinematic art to benefit new forms of perception of the world.

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Environmental messages are hardly unusual in feature animation. Still, Four Souls Of Coyote’s approach is distinctive in its application of indigenous folklore and wisdom to the world we currently inhabit and abuse. And while questions of cultural appropriation may be raised about a Hungarian filmmaker’s decision to tell Native American stories, this is a respectful work – Gauder collaborated with several Native American advisors during the filmmaking process.

"Áron Gauder Brings Native American Myths to Life in a Beautiful Eco Tale"

"Four Souls of Coyote is billed as an epic adventure tale of the Native American creation myth."

"....Gauder and team have crafted a beautifully designed and imaginative work that, at its core, touches upon environmental, historical, and political issues that affect every one of us. Arguments about cultural appropriation aside (hopefully the screening of the film generates some meaningful dialogue about this issue), you’re better off seeing Four Souls than the latest facile big studio nonsense."

Chris Robinson

artistic director

Ottawa Animation Festival

"Super stylish trailer for 'Four Souls of Coyote,' upcoming feature from director Áron Gauder."

Cartoon Brew, Twitter

"A fascinating and seductive journey into Native American cosmogony that more than echoes the great contemporary ecological concerns, the film is a total success accessible to all audiences, a mystical ode to nature that rightly reminds us that "man does not weave the web of life. He is only a strand of it."

"Four Souls of Coyote, a 2D feature about Indigenous creation tales, from director Áron Gauder, took the jury prize."

The Hollywood Reporter

"Annecy award-winning director Áron Gauder’s animated feature retells the making of the universe, touching on issues of sustainability and shared responsibility"

”I am amazed with what I have seen, Stepping into the wonders of the tribal universe with the blending of the highest form of artistic storytelling, the Four Souls of Coyote is a gift to the wonders of humanity and the mystery of tribal people.”

the film’s American Indian consultant, an enrolled member of the Navaho Tribe

‘Four Souls of Coyote’ Win Top Prize at Annecy

"The film’s primary aim is to offer a cinematic escape for audiences, presenting a magical world inspired by Native American folklore that takes us back to the wonders of life."

"The filmmakers proved a good deal of courage when they wanted to create the film to use Native American creation stories. And let’s be clear from the outset: with success. Four Souls of Coyote nails the viewer to their seat with elemental power. Finally a Hungarian film that is authentic from beginning to end."

Országút.hu/Tóth Gábor

The film warns that man is a fallible creature who has responsibility for the other creatures too. We cannot consume limitlessly; we must keep our desires in check because if we do not, then the created world will perish. The societal message and how the film makes the viewer aware of it are first class.

Országút.hu/Tóth Gábor

"By presenting the magical world of Native American folklore, the film provides keys to understanding the present."

"Cartoon Movie will also be presenting Sneak Preview sessions on warmly anticipated title Four Souls of Coyote from Áron Gauder...."

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