Local filmmakers unpack their Oscar-nominated film

By Jordan Mazza

PROVIDENCE, RI (WLNE) — Packing a suitcase may seem simple.

But the Oscar–nominated film “Negative Space” shows it can be an art and a life lesson.

In much the same way, making a seemingly simple stop–motion animated short film was an art:

Providence filmmakers Max Porter and Ru Kuwahata took a whole day just to film two or three seconds.

Porter says going to school at RISD – where he now teaches – helped.

“The visual and arts education was present in every decision that was made,” he said.

“We were just focused on making the film we wanted to, and then, ‘we’ll see what happens’ was the attitude,” Kuwahata said.

What happened was their story about a father–son bond resonated with festival audiences around the world.

“A lot of people came up to us after the screening and all of a sudden shared their feelings,” Kuwahata said. “And we got into these deep conversations like a therapy session or something. And that was quite special, that our project opened up people’s hearts.”

Then came the Oscar nomination.

It took us a while to kind of realize, okay, what just happened?” Kuwahata said. “What does this mean? And all of a sudden I just kind of saw my inbox filling up. Okay, this is what it means.”

They say the red carpet at last year’s ceremony was surreal.

“We weren’t even nervous about the show,” Kuwahata said. “We just had fun.”

And though they didn’t win, they say the Oscars experience was icing on the cake.

“We were already satisfied with what we made,” Porter said. “Beyond any accolades, beyond any awards. We were legitimately happy with what we made.”

The filmmakers say “Negative Space” should be available online in the near future.

They’re already at work on their next film, about Kuwahata’s experience moving from Japan to the United States.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2019