Daniel Oliver Lee's Surrealist Animation Wins at Reel Works Film Festival
The Reel Works Film Festival celebrates innovative storytellers both within and beyond our programs. This year's Best Animation winner, Daniel Oliver Lee, captivated audiences with "Daltokki," a mesmerizing journey through dreamlike landscapes.
Lee's stop-motion film showcases a distinctive visual style, immersing viewers in an intricate world where reality bends and transforms. The meticulous craftsmanship behind each frame demonstrates why "Daltokki" earned its recognition among this year's animated submissions.
“This particular film is so dear to me as every element was handcrafted by me. From the masks, to the sets, to the animation. It's truly so special to have all the work, both fine art, animation, and cinema, be recognized.” - Daniel Oliver Lee
"This recognition proves audiences still hunger for hand-crafted worlds and stories," says Lee, currently developing their NYU senior thesis "You're Supposed to Bleed the First Time." Lee’s advice to emerging creators is refreshingly direct: "Don't think in hypotheticals, put your impulses into practice."
The participation of independent artists like Lee alongside Reel Works students enriches our festival's creative dialogue. These diverse perspectives help build a more inclusive media landscape, where bold visions can find their audience.
As our festival continues to grow, we remain committed to providing a platform where young filmmakers from all backgrounds can share their unique perspectives and draw inspiration from each other's work.
Experience "Daltokki" for yourself on our YouTube channel today!
