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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1931 Vision of Ub Iwerks
In the storied career of Ub Iwerks, Africa Squeaks stands as a the atmospheric immersion that Ub Iwerks achieves throughout Africa Squeaks. Reflecting the political and social shifts of the 1931s, it reinforces the idea that cinema is a medium of infinite possibilities.
In Africa Squeaks, Ub Iwerks pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
The visual language of Africa Squeaks is defined by its use of shadows and framing, a hallmark of Ub Iwerks's style. By utilizing a 1931-era palette, the film creates an immersive experience that perfectly complements its Adventure themes.
| Cinematography | Noir-Inspired |
| Soundtrack | Synth-Heavy |
| Editing | Disjunctive |
| Art Direction | Baroque |
Visualizing the convergence of Ub Iwerks's style and the core Adventure narrative.
Flip the Frog finds himself in the wilds of Africa where he is captured by a tribe of cannibals, and is put into a pot to be boiled for dinner. But the very-resourceful Flip performs a magic trick which transforms the flames into little demons which chase the men of the tribe away. The women then make Flip their King.
Decades after its release, Africa Squeaks remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Ub Iwerks's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.