‘Porcelain War’ the acclaimed documentary featuring animated sequences by Warsaw-based BluBlu Studios, has been shortlisted for the Academy Award in the Best Documentary Feature category. The film, directed by Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev, which won the 2024 Sundance Film Festival’s U.S. Grand Jury Prize for Documentary, showcases the resilience of Ukrainian artists Anya Stasenko and Slava Leontyev amid conflict.
The documentary includes three two-minute vignettes where porcelain figures come to life with hand-painted animations created by BluBlu Studios. These animations provide a visual narrative that complements the artists’ experiences during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “Animation has been a part of this film since before we were even making a documentary,” said co-director Brendan Bellomo in an interview for Animation Magazine. “We knew animation would be the soul of this documentary.”
BluBlu Studios meticulously recreated the illustrations on the porcelain figurines, ensuring that the animation reflected the intricate details of Anya’s artwork. The team used high-resolution images and 3D scans to capture the essence of the original pieces, bringing them to life through subtle motion design. “We wanted the animation to feel like an extension of the narrative,” said Jędrzej Skrzypczyk, Executive Creative Director at BluBlu Studios. “Every motion and texture was designed to echo the fragility and resilience of the story.”
The recognition of ‘Porcelain War’ by the Academy underscores the evolving role of animation in documentary filmmaking. BluBlu Studios’ contribution highlights how animation can deepen storytelling, making complex narratives more accessible and emotionally impactful.
BluBlu Studios is an award-winning creative house based in Warsaw, Poland. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship and innovative approach to storytelling, the studio collaborates with global clients across film, advertising, and digital media.