In the small prairie town of Hairy Hill, Alberta, a young girl named Ethel resides with her three younger siblings in a secluded home. Ethel takes on the responsibility of caring for her siblings as they navigate a strained relationship with their mother, who mysteriously transforms into a bird and flies away. Left to fend for themselves, Ethel must find a way to provide for her family in the absence of their mother.
The short film “Return to Hairy Hill,” co-written by director Daniel Gies and Emily Paige, delves into the true story of Marie-Anne Ethel Garnier, Gies’s grandmother who was born in Hairy Hill in 1940. The film, rendered in black-and-white, follows paper figures through a surreal landscape as winter approaches.
Using a mix of three-dimensional computer graphics and stop-motion puppetry techniques, the film captures the delicate and ephemeral nature of the characters. The story explores themes of family folklore and the challenges of living in remote and harsh environments, as Ethel grapples with the choice of embracing her family’s transformations or forging her own path.
The animation in “Return to Hairy Hill” features intricate paper puppets that reflect the characters’ emotional depth, while the play of light and shadow adds depth to the narrative. The film seamlessly blends different artistic styles, from painterly forests to sculptural details, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.
For a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind the film, visit E.D. Films’ website and follow the studio on Vimeo. “Return to Hairy Hill” is a haunting and personal tribute to family history, exploring themes of transformation, resilience, and the bonds that tie us together in the face of adversity.
