Made in his mother’s spare room for the equivalent of $81 U.S., the stop-motion animated film Animal Beatbox won actor Damon Garneau the top prize Saturday at the world’s largest short film festival.
“The film cost $80 — most of that was spent on cellophane for the [animal] costume,” Garneau said after receiving the prize at Australia’s Tropfest. “It made me realize that following my heart is rewarding, and I encourage everyone else to do the same.”
“I’m quite new to stop animation, but I find it a quick and versatile way to express any idea that may be lurking in my head.”
The humorous movie features funny lyrics and the sounds of wild animals.
For his efforts, Garneau won $5,000 in prize cash, a digital camera and a return trip to Los Angeles to see film executives.
