Prince Ivan and the Clockwork Heart | Calarts Film 2023 

Now that I think about it, the fact that in original fairy tale the 3rd prince shoots his arrow so far away into the woods while first 2 brothers shoot it someplace where either way, people live, is in fact an interesting detail, to which we never really paid some attention before. The idea to take that and use as a plot twist, that his actions were directly intentional and rebelion, I find just jenious. You are a great storyteller!

as a child of russian immigrants, this tugged on all my nostalgia heartstrings of the soviet era animations i grew up on; the narrator's way of speaking, the "конец" at the end of the film, the way it was all animated- all of it reminded me of the cartoons i watched as a kid. I absolutely love the cute queer and mechanical spin you put onto it as well. Such a good short film, ill be rewatching this one for days!!

I'm fucking crying bro. "The frog princess" was one of my most read fairytales in my childhood. And at first I suspected that it'll be a queer retelling when I saw it in my recommended, but I really didn't want to get my hopes up. And just when it was something that I hoped for I just.... I'm literally crying. As a queer russian it's just... It's nice to see something like this. And the sound design coupled with charming art style just finished me. I am in the ground. Happy.

No because !! The fact that all the animated people have textures that don't move with them is such a strong choice of coloring and I can't imagine how much time is put into that while on top of that, the animation and frame by frame movement is so clean, clear, and concise creates this beautiful picture. To elaborate, every time you pause it not once is it boring staging. Everyone has precise position that connect the viewer to the story itself. For example, the king talking to Ivan, the 2 brothers with their wives onscreen, the mechanical flower crown (being shown in detail and on Ivan's head), and the kissing scene (seen by BOTH Ivan's and the little guy's perspective which leads me to my next point on why this is such a wonderful 3 minutes and 38 seconds). The first time watching this I had a feeling why Ivan didn't want to marry or when he pulled back on good reputation and family(kids) or when he didn't want to shoot the arrow and the first little frames showing Ivan and the little guy walking together first getting feelings immediately corrected my suspicions in such a clever way. Honestly, this whole story was just,,, so well thought out! ugh!! !! To add on top of all of these amazing and fantastic things this video has to offer is its voice over. I have seen countless times impeccable animation be brought down by its own sound and this is a fine example of how animation voice over should be (not only the voice lines but also the little walking sounds/arrow sounds and also the ambient music brings a swelling feeling of "overjoy-ment" for me and others). ALSO the little guy? FANTASIC! I love how he creates this sense of otherworldly/different feeling phenomena. Which could be used to directly translate how someone might feel going against the social norms of dating (especially when someone is being put into a situation that 'needs' them to find a partner ((Like Ivan))). Whom I would suggest started getting feelings/interest as soon as the little guy (I really need a better name for them) said "I was once human". Its just AAA so well executed!!!! Another thing to say would be that looking at Zz1nk's portfolio (in the description) made me realize how many short Calarts films you have been a part of and that I have watched!! The way you(Zz1nk) animated/drew this and other projects is just so soul pleasing to me. I hope you do so many wonderful things with this amazing talent you have (and hope I can animate like this one day ^^). Anyways!! For all that have gotten down this far, have a nice day and just realize all the effort that was put into making this so wonderful to watch :)

I love the detail of Ivan's arrow being weaved into the flower crown Basil gives him.

the queer russian is so heavily under-represented in media, and I thank you greatly for this outstanding work to showcase us like this, as I am sure many others are grateful too !!

I was an animation student at Cal Arts in the very early days (1972-74), you have made such an excellent animated film that holds up the great tradition of animation at Cal Arts!

The mixed media look along with all those wonderful colours and textures for the characters!! Captivating work!

When they flew in the sky I was like "Holy shit its Marceline and Princess Bubblegum"

Мне нравится факт что "царевна лягушка" - выглядит как обычный крестьянин/человек не такого высокого статуса как его возлюбленный. Ведь в самой сказке, как я помню, все действующие лица принадлежат к дворянству, а тут очень мило показано что любовь может существовать вне зависимости от пола, статуса, набора шестерёнок. Очень мило и красиво (как художнику), очень понравилось.

I’m Russian and I am so proud of fact that my culture can inspire someone to make real art! Author, your work is just wonderful, I love it ❤️❤️❤️

Being so used to seeing old Russian animation with subtitles, I initially was going to click the subtitle button when I first heard the narrator. XD! This is such a lovely take on a traditional Russian folktale. I like how we keep seeing the different perspectives of Basil seeing Ivan as a mechanical frog and of Ivan seeing Basil as human. Also, the bit where Ivan starts playing music to accompany Basil's foot steps was adorable. Also, I love the subtle hint of Ivan not being straight because his crown is literally on crooked compared to his older brothers.

"You're playing in tune with my steps." That's adorable. Also, a queer, steampunk version of one of my favorite fairytales? Hell yes! I just wish it was longer. Still, very beautiful film.

I'm neither queer nor Slavic, but this is was beautiful and uplifting in all sorts of ways. Student filmmaking at its finest.

The way you’ve captured the emotions in the characters is truly remarkable. It’s not just the expressions, but the movements and the dialogs - they convey so much. And the love story unfolded beautifully.

My Russian friend sent me this as an example of how people in USA go crazy about gays and how odd they are. I am glad she did, because taht's a great animation and a very interesting take on the old folk tale. Kudos! You and your collegues (co-students?) did wonderful work! I hope to see more cartoons from you.

i love the textures on their clothes and the old slavic mixed with steampunk aesthetics!! also it evokes "clockwork orange" which is an interesting detail

ГОСПОДИ ПРОСТИ, ЭТО ТАК ЧУДЕСНО Такой интересный и креативный подход к народной сказке, А ЦВЕТА, МАМА ДОРОГАЯ, ЦВЕТА!!!! Лучшее что я вообще видела в последнее время P. S. чё за ядерная война в комментариях😰

old east-european animation is so underrated! i hope to see more people taking inspiration from it

I like how the textures don;t move while the characters do. This story is very cute

May I say that I am ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE with this piece of art? That. Was. GORGEOUS. Not only because of the bombastic animation style, but the concept!! Taking a traditional Russian tale and turning it in queer steempunk daydream? I am sorry, but this is the best of all, in my opinion. I personally love that Frog is actually a poor man, it makes much more sence now! And Ivan with the bass balalaika, oh my freaking Stars... Just perfect. As a gay russian, I feel very happy and proud because of this film. If there is an option, I would love to donate to those wonderful people who created this!

I wish there was a full song of Ivan playing his guitar, it sounds so lovely

Such a sweet twist on a nostalgic fairytale! And the animation style is incredible. I completely get how Ivan felt when his dad was talking about him following a traditional path and how he "just wants him to be happy."

The animation feels like a living oil painting, its incredible.

Я.. Я НАСТЛЬКО ВЛЮБИЛСЯ В ТРИ МИНУТЫ ЭТОГО МУЛЬТФИЛЬМА ЧТО ЩАС ЗАПЛАЧУ, МНЕ НУЖНО БОЛЬШЕ, ТУТ ВСЁ ВОЛШЕБНО И ИДЕАЛЬНО 🤧😭💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞

Thank you so much for such a wonderful animation. I think now it's not easy for many queer people from Russia, like me, but your animation has improved my mood. Now I believe that everything is not so bad in the world)))

I’ve watched this film yesterday and still, it has not left my brain… I don’t know why, maybe it is the animation style, the story, the characters or any or every little detail. I think a combination of all! This animation inspired me, and might be one of my favorites animations yet.

i’ve watched this like ten times IT’S SO GOOD!!!! i love the textures and shapes it’s so creative and works so well omg

WHEN YOUR TUNE ALIGNS 😎 ALIGNS WITH HIS STEPS

I love how when they kiss it is a smile.

This reminds me of the hungarian folktales cartoons. the style is so lovely and unique yet clearly inspired by folk art! Love it.

This animation is captivatingly beautiful, and I adore the patterns!

i originally pressed on the video because my name is ivan, so the title stood out. but finishing it i realize i have more things in common with him than just a name

As a Russian I can say it is so wonderful all the designs and animation, and at the same time so unexpected! Because really there is so little content on this issue in our country, and the bulk of it is unofficial fun fiction… And really, i really liked to listen to this story from my granny and I have never thought… really he literally pointed his arrow IN THE WOOD! Whaat? Oh I start to be carried away it’s too much words. So just thank you, and also for representing the part of our folklore in English speaking auditory because sometimes I feell we are not heard, only this politics, but not people, and it’s so depressing. So thank you again!

This is the most appealing art style to go with the "chowder/mononoke effect" textile look. The flatter simpler art style really compliments the detail of the patterns

This pulled on all my nostalgic heart strings from growing up in Russia with these stories and Soviet animated films. This is just so beautiful ❤

bro the textures and sound design and animation omg this story is so goooood

1:00 The crown moving sound had me laughing in tears. Also this is such a great retelling of the fairytale and it is so beautiful.

I’ve heard this story before. It was an Indian tale and the older shot too short, the younger brother got the girl and, the middle middle brother ended up looking for the arrow he shot the rest of his life.

Ого, совершенно случайно наткнулась на эту короткометражку, и весьма впечатлена, как хорошо вышло сочетание старых советских мультфильмов о сказках и более современные приёмы в анимации и стандарты. А конец даже тронул, так хорошо подобрана музыка и анимация на моменте с короной. Работа действительно прекрасная!

I ADORE i how you deviloped the chemistry between Ivan and the frog!!! Its very hard to sell the dynamic in such a short film but i genuinely adored how you made thwm interact it was VERY cute i love this so much!!!!!

Спасибо огромное, за проделанную работу! Эта анимация была очаровательной, доброй и милой! Музыка была чудесной, а персонажи - живыми, дизайн персонажей и локаций выполнен с такой любовью и вниманием! Ваша интерпретация сказки о Царевне Лягушке греет мне сердце! Желаю Вам успехов в творчестве и в дальнейшем, Вы восхитительный рассказчик и творец.)

woww so much references in one unique film, congratulations !!!

That ending is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen

I love this animation style so much, it's beautiful!

I’m a Ukrainian-American who grew up on a lot of Soviet animation, so I throughly enjoyed this! I loved the mixed-media and all the parts where it kinda glitched reminded me of how sometimes I would watch a dvd so much it would get all scratched up and sometimes it would be practically unplayable haha!

Out of all the animations I've seen people releasing this year, yours is my favorite. It's so cute and whimsical. It has a dreamy vibe I cannot get over.

Мелодия, рисовка, концепт, атмосфера...вау! Уже и не знаю, сколько сотен раз это пересмотрел) Обожаю, когда старые добрые произведения показывают под другим углом. На мой взгляд, данная история прекрасно показывает, что каждый вкладывает в понятие "счастье" что-то своё. Сначала видно, что царь искренне желал, чтобы его сын был счастлив: имел прекрасную жену, детей, хорошую репутацию. Именно ввиду наставления отца становится понятно сомнение Ивана, когда он снимал свою корону в конце истории. Он буквально отрёкся от "отцовского счастья" и своего статуса, ведь счастье для Ивана - просто находиться с любимым человеком, несмотря ни на что. Это поистине волшебная, глубокая и вдохновляющая история. Даже представить не могу, сколько времени и сил ушло на данное творение. От всей души благодарю всю команду, создавшую этот фильм. Вы, ребят, великолепны! 🥺🌌✨️

THIS IS WONDERFUL

HOW CAN YOU MAKE A CLOCKWORK HEART HAVE THIS MUCH PERSONALITY OH GOD 😍✨✨

OMG I’m so excited!! This is wonderful work I’m in love with it 💖💖💖 Great job! I’m from Russia really and I’m studying on animation faculty, so this work made me so inspired. I really like everything in this animation. Specially the color, music and edit solution. It’s wonderful I’m sorry for my English and Thank you so much for this story!!!

Wow, you’ve told such a compelling story through your animation. It really resonated with me

its insane how fucking cool this is oh my god. i remember this fairytale. in hungary its a cat princess instead -- interesting to see how different cultures have different retellings of the story. so so in love :) this is possibly the best recommendation ive ever gotten im so glad it exists. i truly cannot put into words just how special it all is to me :) we need more queer retellings of our childhood stories!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ahhhhhhhhhhhhh

Dude. This is so underrated, I’m so shocked. This was so beautiful and genuinely left me in shock. When I looked at your account I expected millions of followers, to which I’d say you deserved but was shocked to see you with only 3k. This piece made me smile and it’s so visually charming, I feel like I could talk about this for hours. Every person working on this project put 100% on it. The artist and the voice actors did amazing. Wow.

this was beautiful

wow... its very simple but in a good way and sooooo beautifuuuuul!!!! q_q amazing! and i absolutely love character design

Oh my little heart this is beautiful😭🤌❤️

боже мой😭😭😭 as a queer russian i can’t even articulate how happy this short film makes me. i will be rewatching it many many times. спасибо за такую прекрасную работу♥️

whoa the story and art style reminds me of a Hungarian Folk Tale called "The Pussycat Princess" ! But this is just lovely in and of its own, the use of textures are awesome! Great work on this, keep it up 💗

This movie brought me so much joy and comfort and helped me embrace who I really am.

Man, this ending brings me so much joy...I love my culture, but it's hard to associate myself with it these days. Thank you for creating this wonderful piece.

By the way the scene on 3:21 is just majestic. I instantly had a thought about how good of a justice this art makes as qeer love thats rarely had been represented in old fairy tales and so on. It's very beautiful. I think you could make a print with this screenshot and it would look great.

и ни одного негативного комментария.. как же я счастлива

I love the little detail that the 3rd brothers crown isn't straight or fixed like the other brothers'. Even when the dad tries to fix it, it falls back. I think a nice it's symbolic detail as the son is gay and unique to his brothers

i have the story in a suuuuuuuuuuuuuuper old book that i love so when i saw this was it i got so excited to see someone adapting it into an animation (and gay)

Oooh what a coincidence, I was just thinking of this fairy tale yesterday when this came up in my recommendations! It's lovely!

Great visual detail to have the third prince’s crown be crooked on his head.

This is so gorgeous! I’m not familiar with this tale and I wanna know how the robot man became a robot man! I love the mix of realistic textures and flat colours, and the designs are so charming

Aw, this is so cool! I've heard the original before (or at least something similar) so this was so cool! I also love to watch those like, Hungarian folk tale animated videos, and this totally captures that kind of energy! This is awesome!

As a Slavic kid who was almost named Ivan, I love this

This was so beautiful!!

Incredibly gorgeous work, and such a unique animation style! I think Prince Ivan is a very underrated story, and I adore your adaptation of it. Love this so much!

This is the cutest thing pleaseeee

this short film is officially my new obsession, i've rewatched it far too many times to be normal about it

Я хочу выразить огромную благодарность авторам данной анимации. Спасибо вам! Это было очень мило и красиво.

Вау! Очень интересный стиль анимации! Автор создал свою собственную атмосферу, все эти шестерёнки вперемешку с цветами - очень интересно, стильно и красиво. Сюжет прост но идея спорная. Я люблю когда автор не говорит всё на прямую и оставляет место для размышлений самого зрителя :3

Крайне интересная стилистика. Милая история, было странно наблюдать за столь привычной историей в такой необычной интерпретации. Очень понравились детали из сссровских мультфильмов, например похожий сказочный риф на гитаре или каноничное начало и конец.

Это просто потрясающе. Возможно, я настолько отвыкла от нормальных сюжетоа из-за повадьной цензуры, но это что-то новое, вроде бы простой сюжет, НО В КОНЦЕ ПОНИАЕШЬ, ЧТО НКТ НЕ ПРОСТОЙ, ВСЕ СЛОЖНЕЕ И ИНТЕРЕСНЕЕ, ХАХ!!!!!!! Отдельное спасибо за репрезентацию!!!!

Стиль изумительный! Очень стильно, все эти текстуры и механические элементы! Цвета прекрасные! Ну и чудесный мистер лягух в конце

I am so pleasantly shocked!!! This makes my gay little heart so happy!!!!! I wish there was more to it!!!!! I forgot to mention the art is gorgeous!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!!

Deserves way more views! Unique animation, cute story, and awesome voice-over! Great job!

That was the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen in my life🥹

До чёртиков мило)) За стимпанк-фантастику спасибо отдельное!

Beautiful animation and style. I'm glad he found someone 😌

Nice animation! Its style reminds me a lot of the "Hungarian Tales" animation series

Genuinely cried. Im in the closet and i grew up watching these kinds of stories with my mom and shed always tell me id 'find my prince'. The tone of the voice and the way this is draw just hits so hard. I cant express how thankful i am that this exists. Its like a queer retelling of stories from my childhood

I'm so sad I didn't watch this until now!! this is so cute, I love it!! 💛

Прекрасно, великолепно! Amazing, Wonderful! I love this

ГОСПОДИ, ПОЛУЧИЛАСЬ ПРЕКРАСНЕЙШАЯ СКАЗКА! Эта анимация, эти цвета... У Вас получилось попасть в эту атмосферу сказки! Персонажи очень приятные на вид, было очень приятно смотреть эту картину 🥰 Спасибо за Ваш труд! 🥰

this is sooooooooooo so good, I love the style, the animation EVERYTHING

This is so freaking good…the atmosphere, colors, style, some visual and perspective ideas. The way coloring reminds some kind of stained glass windows in church and glittery kumquat - is so beautiful… Also the story is just cute as hell (>\\\\

Eh, the tsar father means well, and genuinely wants them all to be happy. Ivan may not have found this in the usual sense, but he still did. And both his brothers too. A good conclusion, I would say.

Is there any chance we might get the OST for this? It's such an earworm and sets the tone so well.

Amazing

This is lovely 🎭.

This is lovely!! I adore it ❤❤❤

GOD YOU DONT KNOW HOW MUCH JOY THIS BROUGHT ME I realized that queer rep in russian folklore is smth that I needed sm as a queer russian myself:_) and the freaking style and the colors are so amazing and Ivan's design is just mwah💔💔💔

will you release the music? it's gorgeous!

Это потрясающе... такая стилистика красивая. Новатарская и не типичная. Боже, я хочу... надеюсь однажды я ещё раз увижу ваши работы и услышу о вашем большом успехе. Всем сердцем этого желаю

Beautiful and impressive