S’OZZASTRU
a film by Carolina Melis
a Nical Films production / in co-production with ISRE- Istituto Etnografico della Sardegna and NAS - New Animation in Sardegna /with the support of MiBACT and Regione Autonoma della Sardegna 2023. 08’29”
The story of a thousand-year-old tree, resilient ambassador of Nature and silent witness of History. The lives of men and women slip under its fronds, often unaware of how much their existence depends on its presence. This is the story of s'ozzastru and of the generous and solid land that welcomed it.
In 2021 in Sardinia, a thousand-year-old wild olive tree burned. This fire devastated 70.000 acres of land and houses. Thousands of animals died, suffocated or burned alive. A year later, the tree sprouted again, becoming a symbol of resilience. Every year, around the world, 7 millions of acres of land are destroyed in over 60.000 fires, almost all caused by human hand.
COMMERCIAL REEL 2023
The video showcases a series of recent commercial and non commercial projects completed for a range of high-profile clients, including FENDI, Drunk Elephant, Erno Laszlo, Mall of the Emirates, Miu Miu, and more. These projects are presented in a montage format.
CHI AMA NON TAGLIA LE ALI
The University of Cagliari in Italy commissioned this spot to raise awareness about violence against women and commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The spot sends a powerful message that says STOP to relationships based on violence and possession, and emphasizes that love should be about complicity, reciprocal support, and equality. The butterfly in the video is used as a symbol of true and possible love, stating that two equal wings, strength, and collaboration are necessary to fly.
The spot was launched in Cagliari, Italy, and distributed in public spaces such as screens on airports, stadiums, and public transport, making it accessible to a wider audience. The spot's message was also reinforced when Laura Pausini chose to present it during her concert UNA NESSUNA CENTOMILA in 2022.
TOG&THER
Insi&me is the spot created by Carolina Melis for LILA (Lega Italiana per la Lotta contro l’AIDS) in Cagliari. The video, entirely made with the traditional animation technique, features a continuous evolution of shapes, suggestive silhouettes, and shadows. Colorful and sensual, the spot is a call to practice safe and responsible sex. Together, yes, but protected.
The project was made possible thanks to the patronage of Sardegna Film Commission and Cineteca Sarda. "Insi&me" is a powerful message that promotes awareness of the importance of sexual health and the use of protection in sexual relationships. The choice of traditional animation as a medium adds a touch of nostalgia and craft to the video, making it visually engaging and memorable.
MARCH 8
To commemorate my recognition as the Woman of the Year by Lioness in Cagliari for my contributions to the creative industry during the 2020 International Women's Day, I created a short film that celebrates womanhood. The film captures the journey of a mimosa flower, depicting women in diverse phases of their lives, including leisure, sports, and activism. The film concludes with the mimosa flower settling on the dress of a pregnant woman, marking the culmination of the celebration.
MALL OF THE EMIRATES
Client: Mall of the Emirates Dubai
Director: Carolina Melis
Agency: Y&R Dubai
Production Company: Meraki
THE BIRD AND THE TREE
In this animated short, a timid tree undergoes a transformation to catch the attention of a bird-of-paradise. However, it is only when the tree decides to stop trying so hard and goes back to its natural state that it finally gains recognition.
LE FIAMME DI NULE
Le fiamme di Nule is a 7-minute and 40-second film directed by Carolina Melis, produced by ISRE in association with Nexus Productions. The film depicts the story of Anna, Rosa, and Maria, three weavers from Nule in Sardinia, who participate in a tapestry competition. While Anna and Rosa strive to impress the judges with their perfectly crafted and beautiful carpets, Maria surprises the village with an unexpected textile.
The film was the recipient of the AViSa award.
REGARDING GARDENS
Client: Heritage Lottery Fund Creative
Director and Designer: Carolina Melis / Animator: Michela Bruno / Voiceover and Poem: Simon Barraclough / Music: Missed, written by Julia Kent © Kobalt / Music Publishing Limited / Historical Researcher: Michael Ann Mullen / Producer: Abigail Addison at Animate Projects
An animated film inspired by both the historic gardens of National Trust property, Ham House and Garden, and the estates 17th century owner, Elizabeth Dysart, who held the vision for the garden. The film presents a living portrait of the historic garden of Ham House.
DOVE CADE L’OMBRA
An animated film commissioned by Museo Nivola as part of the solo exhibition Dove Cade L’Ombra. The work - film and installation - is an original piece by Carolina Melis that playfully explores ideas of transformation and development. A combination of styles and techniques carefully orchestrated in order to create a unique experience that sees rhythm, colours and shapes as predominant elements. Strongly influenced by her background in choreography and her experience in animation and art direction, in this work Carolina Melis creates a singular dimension where film and space and coexist and are perfectly coordinated. The installation is accompanied by an original composition by Stefano Guzzetti, Continuum. The exhibition curated by Davide Mariani.
POLYGYNE | EFTERKLANG | LEAF
From 2005 to 2015, I collaborated with Leaf music label to produce music videos for various artists including Oh No Ono, Efterklang, Colleen, Julia Kent, Essie Jain, Vladislav Delay, Wildbird and Peacedrum. Among the experimental music videos that I created during this time, I hold a special attachment to this project where I explored the concepts of geometries, patterns, and choreography in an animated and orchestrated format. I believe this video exemplifies the type of work I developed during that period.