“The Smeds and the Smoos” is a groundbreaking children’s animation that has won international acclaim, including an Emmy Award. Directed by Daniel Snaddon and Samantha Cutler, the film is based on a popular children’s book and tells the story of two young aliens from rival clans who fall in love. The film’s success is an inspiration for aspiring creators and shows the power of imagination to bring people together.
“The Smeds and the Smoos”: A New Standard in Children’s Animation. The Emmy-winning animation showcases the craftsmanship of Magic Light Pictures, directed by Daniel Snaddon and Samantha Cutler. The story, based on a popular children’s book, centers around the romantic journey of two young aliens from rival clans. The film’s success serves as an inspiration for budding creators and demonstrates the potential for imagination to transcend borders and build common ground.
A New Standard in Children’s Animation
In the thriving domain of children’s animation, “The Smeds and the Smoos” stands as an exemplar of excellence. Its win for Best Kids’ Animation at the International Emmy Awards underscores its profound global influence. Its creators dared to defy the norm, outshining prominent names like Moominvalley, thus illustrating that transcending geographical barriers is possible with high-quality storytelling.
Showmax currently hosts “The Smeds and the Smoos”, showcasing the ingenious craftsmanship of Magic Light Pictures. Daniel Snaddon and Samantha Cutler, co-directors from South Africa, are the minds behind this animated triumph. Acclaim is familiar territory for the pair, as Snaddon previously directed “Zog”, the International Emmy laureate of 2020.
While New York hosted the Emmy event, Snaddon and Cutler were half a world away receiving the NHK Japan Prize for Best Preschool Media in Japan. This accolade acknowledges their astonishing work on the 27-minute animation. Cutler couldn’t contain her immense pride for the team’s achievement, celebrating the news from Japan’s scenic landscape.
The Story and Inspiration Behind the Animation
The compelling narrative of “The Smeds and the Smoos” originates from South African author Julia Smuts Louw, who is also credited with co-writing “Aau’s Song” from “Star Wars: Visions Volume II.” The plot, based on a popular children’s book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, comes to life through the narration of Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins.
The story centers around the touching romantic journey of Bill and Janet, offspring from two rival clans. Voiced by Ashna Rabheru and Daniel Ezra, these young aliens initiate an adventurous getaway, pursued by their respective grandparents, Grandfather Smed and Grandmother Smoo, voiced by Bill Bailey and Adjoa Andoh. Their cosmic chase eventually leads their families to the profound realization that their similarities far outweigh their differences.
Intriguingly, the story, dedicated to all European children, borrows elements from Brexit, a significant historical event that has polarized opinions and separated nations. Smuts Louw highlights the contemporary relevance of the story, insisting that life is too brief to feud over disparities. She believes that children’s literature and films convey this message most effectively, molding young minds during their developmental years.
Recognition and Future Prospects
“The Smeds and the Smoos” has garnered rapid and plentiful recognition. Apart from receiving the Audience Award at the New York International Children’s Film Festival and the Rockie for Children’s Animation at BANFF, it has been nominated for Best Storytelling (Writing) at the Shanghai International TV Festival. The forthcoming Rose d’Or Awards in London on 27 November 2023 has also shortlisted this film for the Children and Youth Prize, where it will compete against the pan-African anthology “Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire.”
Reflecting on the movie’s achievements, Smuts Louw appreciates the evolution of the industry, acknowledging the novel opportunities available in South Africa’s animation sector. A decade ago, the thought of winning an International Emmy for a project she was involved in would have been a far-fetched dream. Today, that dream has materialized, and “The Smeds and the Smoos” demonstrates the potential for more such dreams to be realized.
“The Smeds and the Smoos”‘s rise in the animation industry is a testament to the skill and creativity of its creators. The success of this film serves as an inspiration for budding creators, shining a light on the pathway for imagination to transcend borders and build common ground. To witness the magic yourself, you can watch the trailer of “The Smeds and the Smoos.”
What is “The Smeds and the Smoos”?
“The Smeds and the Smoos” is a groundbreaking children’s animation directed by Daniel Snaddon and Samantha Cutler. It is based on a popular children’s book and tells the story of two young aliens from rival clans who fall in love.
What awards has “The Smeds and the Smoos” won?
“The Smeds and the Smoos” has won several awards, including an Emmy Award for Best Kids’ Animation and the Audience Award at the New York International Children’s Film Festival. It has also been nominated for other awards such as the Rose d’Or Awards Children and Youth Prize.
Who are the creators of “The Smeds and the Smoos”?
“The Smeds and the Smoos” was directed by Daniel Snaddon and Samantha Cutler, who are both from South Africa. They are known for their previous work on “Zog,” which won the International Emmy laureate of 2020.
What is the story behind “The Smeds and the Smoos”?
“The Smeds and the Smoos” is based on a popular children’s book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The story centers around the romantic journey of two young aliens from rival clans, Bill and Janet. The film’s success is an inspiration for aspiring creators and shows the power of imagination to bring people together.
What message does “The Smeds and the Smoos” convey?
“The Smeds and the Smoos” conveys a message of unity and emphasizes that differences should not be a reason for conflict. The story, which borrows elements from Brexit, demonstrates the potential for imagination to transcend borders and build common ground.
What is the future outlook for “The Smeds and the Smoos”?
“The Smeds and the Smoos” has received rapid recognition and has been shortlisted for several awards. Its success serves as an inspiration for budding creators, shining a light on the pathway for imagination to transcend borders and build common ground.
