Ethan-Eaten: Pretty Much the Most Brilliant Short Film Ever

The Backwater Gospel

Directed by Bo Mathorne

I know I'm guilty of hyperbole from time to time. "The best" this, or "the greatest" that. It's actually intentional - calling something "the best" is really just a fun way to communicate my enthusiasm, usually employed hot off the heels of experiencing the thing I'm enthusiastic about. I figure, why hide my excitement with anything other than hyperbole, you know?

I say all that, just to say this: don't be surprised if in two months if I post some other short film and call it the greatest ever, but in the meantime The Backwater Gospel is at the top of the pile.

Perhaps I'm so jazzed because I'm such a fan of animation, and because this film sports such a balls-out awesome style of it. Maybe it's because the story is dark, epic, and tidily ironic. Maybe it's because it features some violence that would put Kill Bill to shame. Whatever the reason, I hardily suggest that you set aside 10 minutes of your life, turn on this short film, and see for yourself. If you do I'm sure you'll agree with me. It's the best. Ever.

For now.

NOTE: At the bottom of this post have a look at the 'Making of' video for Backwater, filled with design sketches an animation tests.

Bachelor film project 2011 from The Animation Workshop.

Story: As long as anyone can remember, the coming of The Undertaker has meant the coming of death. Until one day the grim promise fails and tension builds as the God fearing townsfolk of Backwater wait for someone to die

By: Bo Mathorne, Tue T. Sørensen, Arthur Gil Larsen, Rie C. Nymand, Mads Simonsen, Thomas H. Grønlund, Esben Jacob Sloth, Martin Holm-Grevy