More Than I Want to Remember is a 2022 animated short film directed by Amy Bench and written by Bench and Mugeni Awano.[1] It is based on the true story of Mugeni, a young girl from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The film follows Mugeni as she escapes her village after a sudden attack and sets out on a journey across unfamiliar terrain to find her family.[2]
| More Than I Want To Remember | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Amy Bench |
| Produced by | Mugeni Ornella Amy Bench Carolyn Merrima |
| Animation by | Maya Edelman |
Production company | Mugeni Film |
| Distributed by | MTV Documentary Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 14 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The film premiered in the United States on 29 November 2022, distributed by MTV Documentary Films via Paramount+.[3]
Plot
editOne night, a young girl named Mugeni is forced to flee her home in a remote village in the Democratic Republic of Congo when an unexpected attack shatters her peaceful life. Separated from her family, Mugeni embarks on a perilous journey across the wilderness, navigating dangers both seen and unseen. Along the way, she encounters strangers who may be friends or foes, discovers her inner strength, and holds onto hope against all odds. Each step of her path is marked by resilience as she searches for safety and the chance to reunite with her loved ones.
Reception
editAccolades
edit| Year | Festivals | Award/Category | Status | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Annecy International Animated Film Festival | City of Annecy Award | Nominated | [4] |
| Chicago International Children's Film Festival | Youth Jury Award, Best Documentary Film | Won | [5] | |
| Global Impact Award | Won | |||
| Cleveland International Film Festival | Best Documentary Short | Won | [6] | |
| DC Shorts Film Festival | Audience Award | Won | [7] | |
| deadCENTER Film Festival | Best Short Animation | Won | [7] | |
| Guanajuato International Film Festival | Best Documentary Short Film | Nominated | ||
| Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival | Best International Short Documentary | Won | [6] | |
| Sidewalk Film Festival | Audience Choice Award, Best Short | Won | [7] | |
| Special Jury Mention, Best Documentary Short | Won | |||
| South by Southwest Film Festival | SXSW Film Design Award, Excellence in Poster Design | Won | ||
| Tribeca Film Festival | Best Animated Short | Won | [6] | |
| Walla Walla Movie Crush | Best Animated Short | Won | [6] | |
| Woods Hole Film Festival | Best Documentary Short | Won | [7] | |
| Academy Awards | Best Animated Short Film | Shortlisted | [8] |
References
edit- ^ Taylor, Drew (29 June 2023). "ShortList 2023: 'More Than I Want to Remember' Director Says Her Animated Refugee Doc 'Could Not Have Been Told Another Way'". www.thewrap.com. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ "Timely Animated Child Refugee Short 'More Than I Remember' to Premiere at SXSW: Watch Trailer (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. 3 March 2022.
- ^ "Exclusive Trailer: Award-Winning Short 'More Than I Want to Remember' Coming to Paramount+". Animation Magazine. 22 November 2022.
- ^ Nikkhah Azad, Navid (11 June 2022). "Annecy Festival 2022 announces lineup". www.deed.news. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
- ^ Roche, Barbara (10 November 2022). "FACETS 39th Chicago International Children's Film Festival winners". Reel Chicago News. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
- ^ a b c d Ravindran, Manori (21 November 2022). "Paramount+ Reveals Premiere Date for MTV Docs Slate, Debuts Trailer for 'As Far As They Can Run' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
- ^ a b c d Milligan, Mercedes (22 November 2022). "Exclusive Trailer: Award-Winning Short 'More Than I Want to Remember' Coming to Paramount+". Animation Magazine. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
- ^ "95th Oscars Shortlists Announced for 10 Categories". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved 2023-01-12.