The film received a nomination at the 88th Academy Awards for best animated feature, ultimately losing to 'Inside Out', though it did secure one win from three nominations at the Annie Awards. Originating from Brasil, this is an 80-minute work—a relatively short film when you factor out the opening and closing credits. The narrative unfolds through striking visuals and music, deliberately omitting dialogue to connect with viewers without complication; it functions not just as entertainment but also carries a message. The animation style is simple yet impressive. Every drawing was created by the director himself, utilizing vibrant crayon sketches. Initially conceived as a documentary, the project evolved into a feature film. The story centers on a boy growing up in a rural setting with his parents, immersed in and appreciative of nature’s wonders. He witnesses changes when his father departs to seek better employment opportunities in the city but doesn't return. This inquisitive young boy then embarks on an adventure as industrialization takes hold, and the rest of the film explores whether he finds what he is searching for. Several animations were released that year, yet this one earned an Academy Award nomination due to its powerful message, which feels particularly relevant in today’s world, raising awareness among audiences. The central theme revolves around humanity's destruction of a beautiful planet for profit, and the subsequent disposal of waste. While similar documentary films exist on this subject, this one felt somewhat akin to 'Earth 2100', although it focuses more on past and present events than distant future scenarios. Pollution is a major concern today, and there seems to be little effort to control it. The industrial revolution isn’t indicative of progress but rather threatens the next generation. Moreover, those with fewer resources are directly impacted by job losses. Human development is moving in the right direction, but the path we've chosen is problematic. It’s clear this film isn’t solely for children; adults have much to learn from it as well. Ideally, it's a film that both generations can enjoy together. At certain points, brief real-world footage was incorporated to illustrate what reality looks like following events similar to those depicted in the film. I appreciated the contrast between city and rural life—from lifestyle to fading traditions, everything was highlighted. The most emotionally affecting scene occurs when the boy returns to his former home only to find it devastated. It’s a familiar experience for many of us: seeing places we once cherished now completely ruined. It may not have secured an Oscar or achieved widespread popularity like its victor, but this is certainly a film worth watching. While other nominees emphasized creativity and entertainment, this one had a dual purpose, and succeeded in both. It resonated with me more deeply than any prestigious award could, although I acknowledge that awards can lead to greater recognition. I encourage everyone to watch it eventually, as it’s not something you want to miss. This isn't your typical Disney, Pixar, or Ghibli film, but you will likely find enjoyment in it. I don't know the director's name, but if he maintains this level of passion and dedication in future projects, he could become South America’s equivalent of Tomm Moore, known for his distinctive animation style and storytelling abilities. 8/10

Source on TMDB