“As a former student of Jules Engel’s, I was elated to learn of Janeann Dill’s feature documentary film. Not only was Jules Engel a seminal figure in the history of animation, he also had a profound influence on countless generations of animators. He truly was the most influential artistic person in my life. I consider him my “Art Dad.” The work he produced both professionally
and personally was groundbreaking and is still cracking it as I write.
Jules always promoted the notion that animation could be a means of personal expression. Jules Engel’s films are true examples of the unlimited possibility that the art form of animation offers. Janeann Dill is the perfect director to document Jules Engel’s life and work. Her commitment and knowledge
of the material is unsurpassed. I’m certain she will produce
a compelling piece about a uniquely creative man.”
—Stephen Hillenburg, Creator/Executive Producer
“SpongeBob SquarePants,” Nickelodeon Animation Studio
“Jules opened up my eyes about the endless possibilities of
animation, and for that I will forever be grateful to him. This
documentary must be completed so that the rest of the world
can have a chance to be as profoundly affected as each of his
students were. This is a true film ‘of consequence,’
using his own indelible phrase.”
— Mark Osborne, Two-time Academy Award Nominee ‘The Little Prince‘ (Director) and ‘More’ (Producer-Director-Writer)
Guggenheim Foundation Fellow
“It is very emotional for me to see Jules on film, because it
transports me back to my beginnings as an animation filmmaker,
at Cal Arts. Jules made me realize that animation filmmaking was
the ultimate art form, the synthesis of all the arts. He also was such
a generous teacher, encouraging experimentation, and self-expression.
Bravo to Janeann for capturing him on film, so that Jules can be
brought to a wider audience.”
— Joyce Borenstein, Academy Award® Nominee
‘My Father’s Colors’ (Director-Animator-Writer) National Film Board of Canada
“This is such a fantastic and deserving tribute to Jules, and you’re just
the one to do it, Janeann! A long overdue project by one great filmmaker
about another.”
— Jon Stout, Co-Founder and General Manager, Free Speech TV
Fellow, Rockefeller Foundation Next Generation Leadership Program
Professional Freedom and Responsibility Award, Association of Education
“Jules was a wonderful teacher – inspiring and empowering!”
— Steven Subotnick, MacDowell Fellow
Independent Animation Artist and International Award Winner
Critic, Rhode Island School of Design (Providence), Visiting Professor at Harvard University
“Jules’ comments on my work still echo in my mind after 30 years.
I switched mediums from animation to stone sculpture a few years ago
and his words still apply.”
— Ellen Woodbury, Sculptor
Lead Animator, Walt Disney Productions (Lion King, “Zazu,” et. al.)