Annie Awards 2017: Special Achievement - Life, Animated

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
For outstanding achievement in animation not recognized by in other Annie Award categories.

LIFE, ANIMATED
Life, Animated is the inspirational story of Owen Suskind, a young man who was unable to speak as a child until he and his family discovered a unique way to communicate by immersing themselves in the world of classic Disney animated films. This emotional coming-of-age story follows Owen as he graduates to adulthood and takes his first steps toward independence.

The subject of his father Ron Suskind’s New York Times bestseller, Owen was a thriving three year old who suddenly and inexplicably went silent – and for years after remained unable to connect with other people or to convey his thoughts, feelings or desires. Over time, through repeated viewings of Disney classics like The Little Mermaid and The Lion King, Owen found useful tools to help him understand complex social cues and to re-connect with the world.

Interweaving classic Disney sequences with scenes from Owen’s life, we are able to share his profound journey of identification and empathy. Original animations offer insights into Owen’s amazing dialogue with the Disney characters, as he imagines himself heroically facing adversity as a member in a tribe of sidekicks.
Life, Animated is, above all, a moving testament to the many ways in which our stories and our craft can influence the lives of others in sublime and deeply personal ways.

Directed and Produced by Roger Ross Williams, a Motto Pictures production, inspired by the book Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes, and Autism by Ron Suskind.