Screening as a part of our Teen Screen: Saturday Morning Cartoons block, GRAMPA KEVORKIAN is...well, just look at the image below. This line drawing encapsulates everything one needs to know about the impact one life had on one little girl. 

Capturing memory, illusive and ethereal, Almon has given us the privilege to share in a film that's personal, joyous and full of love. 

GRAMPA KEVORKIAN
Claire Almon – Director/Animator
GRAMPA KEVORKIAN Blog: GRAMPA KEVORKIAN
Watch the Teaser: http://vimeo.com/10052088

If you could describe your film using only 3 words, what would they be?

Best Film Ever... ok maybe that's a stretch.  How about: A Precious Memory.

Is there a character or subject in your film you most identify with? Would you switch places with them just for a day?

Well, the film is autobiographical so I definitely identify with the little girl in the film because she is based on me.  I would love to switch places with her for a day and see my Grampa again!

What's the one thing about your film you're most proud of?

Grampa Kevorkian was made to be an heirloom for my family;  a keepsake to commemorate my Grandfather's life.  I really cherish the fact that it means so much to my family and that I could do something to honor his life.

What's the one thing about your film you're most proud of?

Well, it's interesting because everyone likes something different about it.  I'm always surprised that it gets a similar emotional response no matter who I show it to.  Even though I intended it to get that response, I still find it amazing that something I created can move somebody.

What do you want audiences to take away from your film?

I'd like people to take away a sense of warmth and family.  Even though Grampa Kevorkian is about loss, it's mostly about the close bonds we have with family and people we love. Do I get an award for sounding corny?

Who are the directors, filmmakers and artists that most influenced your film or yourself?

This film was influenced a lot by Caroline Leaf (The Street), Michael Dudok De Wit (Father and Daughter) and Yuri Norstein (Tale of Tales).  All three of these animators' films have such a wonderful quality that really pulls at your heartstrings without being sappy or dishonest.  Their styles are also very illustrative which appeals to my background in illustration.

Who is the unsung hero of your film and why?

Possibly Hulu.  I listened to hours of tv while working on this film in a computer lab.  I've now seen the complete seasons of Lost, The Office, Good Eats, and Arrested Development among others.  I don't know how I'd have painted over a thousand frames of animation without it.

Where do you see your film in 5 years?

Hopefully, in 5 years Grampa Kevorkian might be on a compilation DVD with some other films I'm working on.

Someone has to go to the bathroom during your film, and they have to miss part of your film. Do they miss the beginning, the middle or the end?

Well, its only 2 minutes long so they'd probably miss the whole thing.  But, if I had to chose a part for them to miss, I'd say the beginning because they'd only miss the title sequence.

How do you properly refer to Atlanta?

 A) The ATL

 B) Hotlanta

 C) The A

 D) The Dirty South

 E) Anything but B, no one in Atlanta who knows better still uses it.

 F) I'm embarrased to say I still use Hotlanta and I now a vow to never use it again except to denounce it as corny and outdated.

 G) Huh? What does this have to do with filmmaking? (But, the answer is E)

A) The ATL

Extra Credit: Use our 2010 festival words EXPERIENCE, THINK, LAUGH, CONNECT, FEEL and Do in a sentence describing your film.