Sita Sings the Blues

Subject: Sita Sings the Blues
From: john f weldon
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 10:15 AM

My friend and fellow animator Nina Paley has created an amazing work of art. An entire animated feature single-handed. About 5 years of labour!

If that weren't amazing enough, she's used the songs of 20's singer Annette Hanshaw as much of the sound track, and paid tens of thousands of her own money to secure the rights.

It's already won tons of awards, and is absolutely beautiful.

And if all that weren't amazing enough, she's distributing it for free, for download on the internet. If you've got a fast enough connection, various versions (including HD video!) are available here:

Note: on my system the "standard TV version took a little over an hour to download.

Sita

Because of the musical nature of the film, I'm putting this above the line...

Subject: RE: Sita Sings the Blues
From: michaelr
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 11:20 AM

That is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for sharing it, John.

Subject: RE: Sita Sings the Blues
From: john f weldon
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 02:31 PM

Here's Nina's Blog.

http://blog.ninapaley.com/

Subject: RE: Sita Sings the Blues
From: olddude
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 02:33 PM

WOW!

JAW JUST DROPPED

Subject: RE: Sita Sings the Blues
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 06:08 PM

I downloaded the small version (ca218Mb) and I've just watched a little over half of it so far. I can't recommend it highly enough. The visuals are superb, from the opening Sita to the 'Annette Hanshaw' Sita and the wonderful chorus of shadow puppets. The Rama-Sita story is beautifully, and wittily (particularly by the puppet chorus), told.

The Annette Hanshaw songs are neatly chosen to point the story (one of my favourite singers - I still have an old mono LP of her - especially when accompanied by Eddie Lang, as I think she is on some of the tracks here).

If you have time (it doesn't take long for the small version - there are versions of various size to choose from the small 218Mb to the large 4Gb) download it and watch it (about an hour and 20 mins). You won't be disappointed. Now back to watch the rest of it!

Mick

Subject: RE: Sita Sings the Blues
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Mar 09 - 02:37 PM

I *know* posted to this, yesterday. It is a superb and impressive work, John, thanks so much. I have watched about 30 minutes and cannot wait for time to watch all of it, this weekend. What incredible work and talent she has put into this. And, the music is wonderful as is the story.

kat

Subject: RE: Sita Sings the Blues
From: john f weldon
Date: 06 Mar 09 - 12:47 PM

I hope no one minds if I refresh this, cuz I know there are quite a few mudcatters who haven't noticed it you, who will surely be happy when they find it.

Subject: RE: Sita Sings the Blues
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Mar 09 - 12:55 AM

This really is an incredible piece of work. Thanks, again, John.