TIFF 2024: Maybe Elephants Trailer
Maybe Elephants at TIFF 2024: A Heartfelt and Whimsical Short Film about Family and Memory
Maybe Elephants is one of those short films that has a way of sticking with you long after the credits roll. Directed by Torill Kove, the Academy Award–winning animator, this 17-minute short is part of TIFF 2024’s Short Cuts Programme 01, and it beautifully blends personal history with a touch of whimsy and nostalgia.
The Story: A Journey Through Family History
In Maybe Elephants, Kove draws from her own family’s past, crafting a story that’s as charming as it is poignant. The film follows a chapter in her family’s life that’s rich in detail and heart, blending animation with real-life memories.
The title itself hints at the film’s playful, almost dreamlike quality—there are maybe elephants, and maybe there aren’t. It’s all about the way we remember the past and how those memories shift over time. Whether the elephants are real or imagined, they become symbols of the larger themes in the story: family, history, and the way our perceptions shape the stories we pass down through generations.
Why You’ll Love It
- Torill Kove’s Signature Style: If you’ve seen any of Kove’s previous work, like her Oscar-winning short The Danish Poet, you’ll recognize her unique blend of heartfelt storytelling and playful animation. Maybe Elephants continues in that tradition, offering a perfect balance of humor, warmth, and emotional depth.
- A Touch of Whimsy: The film’s title sets the tone for what’s to come—this is a story that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still manages to tackle important themes. It’s the kind of film that makes you smile one minute and reflect on your own family the next.
- Family, Memory, and Identity: At its core, Maybe Elephants is about how we remember the past and how those memories become part of our identity. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever wondered about their family’s history or how much of the past is shaped by our own imagination.
What Makes Maybe Elephants Stand Out
What sets Maybe Elephants apart from other short films is its ability to blend personal history with a universal sense of nostalgia. Kove uses animation in a way that feels both whimsical and deeply grounded, giving life to moments that might otherwise feel distant or abstract. The film’s mix of English and Swahili adds another layer, reflecting the global, multicultural nature of the story.
Maybe Elephants is a visual treat, with beautiful animation that complements the heart of the story. Whether you’re drawn in by the family history, the playful tone, or Kove’s award-winning style, this is a film that offers something for everyone.
When and Where to Catch Maybe Elephants at TIFF 2024
Here are the showtimes for Maybe Elephants as part of the Short Cuts Programme 01:
- Thursday, September 5 – 8:00 pm at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
- Friday, September 6 – 1:30 pm at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto (Press & Industry)
- Thursday, September 12 – 5:45 pm at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Maybe Elephants is more than just an animated short—it’s a heartwarming, thoughtful exploration of family, memory, and the stories we tell ourselves. Whether you’re a fan of animated films or just love a good story about family, this short film will leave you feeling both charmed and reflective.
Don’t miss the chance to see Maybe Elephants at TIFF 2024—it’s one of those rare gems that balances whimsy with emotional weight, making it a must-watch in this year’s lineup.
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