"Snow Bear" caught my eye several months ago and, as it is now officially released for free on YouTube, I'm glad I finally got the chance to watch it after seeing all the praise and awards it has been gathering throughout the entire run of its limited film festival screenings. The film is an Independent passion project by Aaron Blaise, a former Walt Disney Animation Studios animator, who has contributed to films such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas and Mulan. With a story by Aaron Blaise and Nick Burch, and music is by Mark Mancina and Marlon E. Espino.
It is an 11-minute short, that was entirely hand -drawn over the course of 3 years, and it certainly carries the essence of old-school 90s animation, hitting a nostalgic nerve the moment you glance at it. It's also a beautiful, tender story about a lonely polar bear who faces limitations when trying to form a connection with other animals of different species that live in his arctic habitat, so he creates a companion out of snow, finding little moments of happiness in pretending that he has someone who is exactly like him to be with.
The film is not only an impressive artistic feat, but also delvers a sincere, real-world message on environmental awareness, and the real danger several species face today due to the effects of climate change. At the same time, it's also a symbolic tale about loneliness, the innate urge to connect and belong, hope, and resilience. Staying true to its "you don't have to be alone" tagline, it ends in a heartwarming, optimistic note, that is very likely to make you shed a tear or two.
A beautiful film in every single way.
