Master Class: Claude Barras

Swiss animated filmmaker Claude Barras is represented at this year’s ITFS with various programmes: his feature film debut “Ma vie de Courgette” (2016) will be screened at the Open Air, his latest stop-motion film “Savages” can be seen in the cinema, and original puppets and sets can be admired at an exhibition accompanying the film in the Festival Centre.
Claude Barras’ films are characterized by the intricate, lovingly detailed puppets with big eyes and the profound content of his stories. Whether in the orphanage with Courgette or with the orangutan baby Oshi in the rainforest of Borneo – Claude Barras wants to raise awareness of socially relevant issues with his films, especially among young viewers. For the research for “Sauvages”, Claude Barras traveled to Borneo himself and sought advice from members of the indigenous Penan population. Sustainable materials were also used in the production of “Sauvages”.
In his master class, Claude Barras talks about the art of puppet animation, sustainable production processes, his research methods and social responsibility as a filmmaker.