2023 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
A young Ethiopian immigrant recounts his experiences with racism and the history of the practice in the United States. As he travels back in time he finds solace in knowing that he has done all that he can to be successful in this often troubling world. With his father and grandfather playing prominent roles in how he views the world, this young man will do all that he can to live up to their expectations. A Cow in the Sky tells his story and the story of millions both before and after him.
Metaphor is used throughout the duration of A Cow in the Sky (even the title is a metaphor). This use of figurative language allows viewers to create their own meaning and to come to their own conclusions while watching the film. A Cow in the Sky is pretty direct with its content, but by providing viewers the opportunity to draw their own conclusions on that content opens it up to much more success. Writer-Directors C. Fraser Press and Darren Press manipulate their dialogue to be both honest and open for interpretation. Their ability to create something so dynamic is welcoming, opening its arms to many, even more than I think this team may have initially anticipated.
It’s impossible to ignore the beautiful visuals present throughout the course of A Cow in the Sky, as they are the catalyst for the film’s success. This animated short film bursts with color from the opening seconds, and the artistic approach that this team takes toward creating something so important and full of passion helps to juxtapose the tones of the film and create a balance. Let’s be honest, the subject matter of A Cow in the Sky can be overwhelming, there’s no doubt about that–and there has to be something present in the film to tip the scales, to create some semblance of balance that allows the film to remain even keeled and effectively reach viewers–that thing is the animation. The entire film works to create balance in a film about balance–and the literal and metaphorical beauty that transcends the entirety of the film is impeccable.
Speaking of juxtapositional tones–the combination of animation and live-action historical footage helps to create a balance as well. A Cow in the Sky, while primarily animated, uses historical (gut-wrenching) footage that intensifies the film in a way that I’m not sure animation could have. Seeing someone spew such hatred as if it were simply a way of life is sickening, and for the Presses to include this in their film, they allow viewers to see how powerful hatred can be, how impactful it can be–even when we don’t realize it.
A Cow in the Sky attempts to create balance in a film that very much focuses on the idea of hatred and what it can do to people–and considering the severity of the content, it does quite well in this regard. The use of animation and live-action content creates balance, as well as the animation and the subject matter. A Cow in the Sky is aesthetically beautiful–and while the content can certainly be harrowing (and it’s meant to be), it manages to carry a series of beautiful messages as well–one’s that everyone can get in touch with.
Written & Directed by C. Fraser Press & Darren Press.
Starring Amine.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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