“Ernest and Célestine” screens at The Smith Opera House

“Ernest and Célestine” is based on a series of children’s books of thesame name published by the Belgian author and illustrator GabrielleVincent.Deep below snowy, cobblestone streets, tucked away in networksof winding subterranean tunnels, lives a civilization of hardworkingmice, terrified of the bears who live above ground. Unlike her fellowmice, the orphan Celestine is an artist and a dreamer – and when shenearly ends up as breakfast for ursine troubadour Ernest, the two forman unlikely bond. But it isn’t long before their friendship is put ontrial by their respective bear-fearing and mice-eating communities.Fresh from standing ovations at Cannes and Toronto’s International FilmFestival ERNEST AND CELESTINE joyfully leaps across genres andinfluences to capture the kinetic, limitless possibilities of animatedstorytelling. It’s a gorgeous landscape these two inhabit and makes boththe bear and mouse world feel both simple yet fully realized. Aconstantly shifting pastel color palette bursts and drips across thescreen, while wonderful storytelling and brilliant comic timing draw upinfluences as varied as Buster Keaton, Bugs Bunny and the outlawromanticism of Bonnie and Clyde. Bringing it all together is theon-screen chemistry between the two lead characters – a flowing, tenderand playful rapport that will put a smile on your face and make yourheart glow.“Ernest and Célestine” is directed by Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar,and Benjamin Renner.The trio adapted the film from Vincent’s books topossess a heart as well as a sense of general fun that often feelslacking in the usual animated films. They create a film that bringsGabrielle Vincent’s children’s books to life, making a beautiful wholethat is adorable, sweet and filled with love for its characters. Itcomes as no surprise that this stunning and deftly crafted film abouttolerance, understanding and, most of all, the power of friendshipstruck a chord with its critics. It was honored with the Prix SCAD awardat Cannes last year in addition to the Cesar Award for Best animatedFeature. To see the trailer and learn more visithttp://www.ernestandcelestine.com/.This film is rated PG and has a runtime of 80 minutes. Tickets are $6general admission, $5 students and seniors.The Smith Opera House is located at 82 Seneca Street, Geneva. Box OfficeHours are Mondaythrough Friday, 10am to 5pm. Phone: 315-781-5483