9/11. It’s been ten years.

With the 10^th year anniversary of 9/11 approaching, we here at Aniboom Virtual Studio wanted to do something special and unique to commemorate this tragic attack on US soil.

So when Gideon Amichay, one of the leading Communication Artists working today (Chief Creative Director at Young & Rubicam and winner of 8 Clio Awards, 13 Cannes Lions and 1 One Show Pencil), came to us with the idea of bringing together animators from all over the world to honor the upcoming 10^th anniversary, we didn’t hesitate for a moment.   Gideon’s idea was simple yet complex at the same time: He envisioned each animator would create a ten-second animation inspired by the title:

9/11.  It’s been ten years.

The message of each ten-second animation is completely personal to each individual, which I find extremely refreshing.  Whatever connotations each animator drew from the title is what they were encouraged to use for inspiration when creating their animations.  There is no right or wrong answer, no valid or invalid opinions or emotions.  It’s amazing how people from all over the world with such diverse cultural, religious, and social backgrounds can interpret the same theme in so many different ways.  For example, Vlad Grausbard of Kazakhstan created a rather thoughtful animation: Two identical towers of pink roses in crystal glasses are seen at first from an aerial point of view of a rescue helicopter (in my interpretation).  A single drop of water falls between the two crystal rose towers and then we see the towers standing straight up, in the shape of an “11” (eleven), with the words “September” coming into view.  It’s an interesting idea to juxtapose such delicacy with such a harsh reality.

And then there are sweet, heartbreaking animations like the one by Erin Thweatt of the US.  Thweatt created an animation of a young girl putting the finishing touches on her American flag and photo collage to commemorate the passing of her mother during the 9/11 attacks.  The young girl stands with her grandmother and they hug.  These are just two of the 40 animations featured in the collection.

This collection of 9/11 animation shorts will be screened in its entirety on the Web on Aniboom’s 9/11 YouTube channel, in different forms on television, and in real-world venues.  All animation clips are signed with the artist’s name, followed by the flag of his/her home country — an added touch that  really makes me feel as though we are all united as one against terror and injustice in the world.

This is a not-for-profit effort.  Any proceeds generated by screenings on television or other media will be donated to the Twin Towers Orphan Fund and the Tuesday’s Children Organization.

More animation artists (all genres: 3D, 2D classic, stop motion, and motion graphics) from all over the world are invited to join the project in the service of our shared humanity.  Please click this link for the specifics and details: http://www.aniboom.com/september11

To view the “9/11.  It’s been ten years” animation shorts, check out Aniboom’s 9/11 YouTube channel.