‘Pearl Diver’ Nabs Multiple Animayo Gran Canaria Awards
Anna Marie de la Fuente “Pearl Diver” by Norway’s Margrethe Danielsen has swept Spain’s 16th Animayo Gran Canaria Festival awards, making off with the International Grand Jury Prize as well as plaudits for best student short film, stop motion and comedy for adults.“Pearl Diver” follows three odd couples: a hedgehog that falls in love with a balloon, two oysters anxious to meet; and an Arctic couple drifting apart.The stop-motion animated short was produced at Volda University College and has already won a string of awards worldwide. Aside from scooping a cash prize of €3,000 ($3,600) and a trophy, “Pearl Diver” qualifies to compete for the Academy Award’s short list of qualifying animated shorts.