Pierre-Luc Granjon, interview with the protagonist of Animation cinema *pinscreen* at the 44° BFM

In 2014, the Bergamo Film Meeting dedicated to the French illustrator and animation film director Pierre-Luc Granjon an exhibition “Nel Regno di Pierre-Luc Granjon- In the Kingdom of Pierre-Luc Granjon” where drawings, sculptures, sketches, set designs and backstage photographs of his works were displayed. That same year, the Bergamo Film Meeting dedicated a complete retrospective to him, accompanied by a monographic catalogue.

At the 44th edition of the BFM, Pierre-Luc Granjon is back as a guest of the animation cinema section, to participate in the focus on the antique pin screen technique.

Granjon’s unique approach to the pinscreen technique

On Saturday 14th, under the title: “Petite escapade” –  the cinema of Pierre-Luc Granjon the director will held a seminar in English, dedicated to his cinema and open to the public.

As a filmmaker, Granjon is renowned for his mastery of traditional techniques like the pin screen, which he uses to create mesmerizing shadow and light effects.

He has expanded the potential of this antique method by deliberately focusing on volumes and contrasts rather than precise lines, which adds a distinctive, textured depth to his films.

The director comments what the Bergamo Film Meeting has written about his use of the pinscreen technique, in a totally unexpected way: he ignores the lines and focuses on the masses instead, on the contrasts and the impact of light.

Becoming an illustrator and animation film director

Pierre-Luc Granjon unveils the genesis of his work as an illustrator and animation director as everything started for him when, after graduating at the School of Applied Arts in Lyon, he visited the Folimage studio in Valence. He started working there as a stop-motion model maker and decided to not only work as a model maker but also as a director creating stories.

Staying connected to your inner child

Pierre-Luc Granjon’s work is celebrated for its subtle storytelling that appeals to both children and adults. His work often explores themes of symbiosis between humans and animals. The secret to Granjon’s creativity is his ability to access his childhood memories and stay connected to his inner child.