Papillon (Butterfly) How Oil Paint Animation Brings Holocaust Memory to Life

Hello, Hello! WHAT IS FILM BRIEF? Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking. BRIEF: In this episode, host Nick explores "Papillon," an animated short film by Florence MIAL that tells the powerful story of Olympic swimmer Alfred Nakash, a Jewish athlete whose life was forever changed by the Holocaust. The film uses hand-painted oil-on-glass animation to create a dreamlike visual experience that flows between memories of triumph and tragedy. Through water as a storytelling metaphor, the film captures themes of memory, resilience, and the quiet power of human dignity in the face of unimaginable loss. TAKEAWAYS: • Florence MIAL's unique oil paint on glass animation technique that creates living, breathing artwork • Alfred Nakash's journey from childhood fear of water to Olympic competition at the 1936 Berlin Olympics • The impact of the Vichy Regime and the Holocaust on Nakash's life and family • The film's success on the international festival circuit and Academy Award nomination • How minimalist storytelling can create maximum emotional impact MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Florence Miailhe (Director) Marie Desplechin (Co-writer) Alfred Nakache Constantine, Algeria Berlin Olympics (1936) Auschwitz concentration camp Berlin International Film Festival Annecy Animation Festival Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival Academy Awards César Awards Crystal Bear Award Paint-on-glass animation technique Ebook: "Mastering Film Marketing" The MAKE IT Podcast We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. All Links: Advertising Inquiries: Privacy & Opt-Out:

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Papillon (Butterfly) How Oil Paint Animation Brings Holocaust Memory to Life is an episode from MAKE IT by Chris Barkley & Nicholas Buggs.

This episode is 7:33 long.

This episode was published on Apr 2, 2026.

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