The Magic Canvas (1948)

To celebrate 100 years since the birth of John Halas here is his most personal experimental film; a powerfully graphic piece of animation that best expresses his own feelings about mans universal quest for freedom.

Director: John Halas
Producers: John Halas and Joy Batchelor
Script: John Halas
Design: John Halas
Backgrounds: Peter Foldes
Animation: Wally Crook
Music: Matyas Sieber
Awards:
Edinburgh, Cannes 1950

[@noelio67]

Love the music.......of an era gone by

[@Suddenlyits1960]

@Vivien Halas,Thank you for posting this incredible work of art here. Your mother and father were extremely talented artists and produced some truly outstanding animation. The level of imagination and creativity put into this is fantastic. It’s a symphony for the eyes and ears as well as the soul. It’s sad that out here in the United States most people only remember Halas and Batchelor for “Animal Farm” and “DoDo,The Kid from Outer Space”. It’s great that KZbin exists and makes it possible to see masterpieces like this.

[@user-ul3lx2sl1q]

BeeYOOOOOtiful!

[@scottriddell3514]

I'm positive that there are possible ways to reused this kind of old but creepy soundtrack but they will definitely work for dark animated shorts like this one and it's just like a small episode

[@ksol1460tv]

"Swirling transformations, unbounded man bird flights to yin-yang unity." I discovered Halas & Batchelor through Underground Cinema 12 where this was shown May 18, 1968 as part of the "Beyond the Ultimate" festival. I have always been curious about UC12 from old newspapers, and have looked up many of the films they showed. Thank you!

[@kellywalker1664]

I feel embarrassed about not knowing of this til now. I was big on indy animation festivals in the 80s & 90s.

[@GWH1090]

you're too precious

[@johnnorfolk]

Delighted to find this channel after reading the Sight & Sound feature on Halas & Batchelor. Hope there is more to come.

[@MarcoInchingolo83]

Masterwork!

[@AZ96152]

soul

[@Limpuls]

Delta Funktionen?