Kristina Laine’s and Albert Laine’s Memories in the Clouds (2023) was selected for the international competition of Melbourne International Animation Festival, held from 5–12 May 2024 in Australia. Memories in the Clouds is included in the international competition programme 1, screened on Monday, 6 May 2024, and on Saturday, 11 May 2024.

Memories in the Clouds visualizes Kristina Laine’s (formerly Žičkutė) childhood memories in the Soviet Lithuania. Thoughts blend with impressions in a dream-like, painterly experimental documentary film. The film brings forth Kristina’s worldview as a child, during the vast socio-political changes of the collapsing Soviet Union. Kristina’s voice leads the audience to a journey through her fading, ephemeral memories and experiences. The film utilizes a combination of techniques: Timelapse videos of a summer sky shot on location in Lithuania, digital volumetric 3D simulation, and modern AI algorithms as animators to visualize the narration into the moving clouds. 

Kristina Laine is a multidisciplinary artist working in the fields of media art, animation and VR. She holds a Master’s degree in environmental art from Aalto University. Her art practice addresses communities and promotes learning and diversity. In her work Kristina Laine focuses mainly on narrative visual imagery that could be conveyed to the audience in the form of animated films, theater and VR experiences. Kristina lives and works in Helsinki.

Albert Laine is a Finnish media- and animation artist with a broad experience in the fields of arts and media. Albert Laine’s body of work spans from artistic auteur work to university lecturing. Albert Laine is the current Chairman of the Finnish Animators Guild and a member of the National Council for Audiovisual Arts. Albert Laine is also a member of the ASIFA International board.

Melbourne International Animation Festival, 5–12 May 2024, Australia

More information: Melbourne International Animation Festival (MIAF)