The first full-length animated feature film was “El Apóstol,” a silent, animated satire produced in Argentina and released in 1917. It’s a little-known piece of cinematic history that predates Disney’s more famous contributions to the art form by two decades, representing a monumental – and tragically forgotten – achievement in animation.
A Pioneer’s Vision: Quirino Cristiani and “El Apóstol”
The story of the first animated feature film begins with Quirino Cristiani, an Italian-Argentine animator and cartoonist. Cristiani, a pioneer in his own right, possessed an unparalleled ambition for the nascent art of animation. Inspired by his earlier successes with short animated political cartoons, Cristiani envisioned a grander project: a full-length feature that would not only entertain but also satirize the political landscape of Argentina.
His target was President Hipólito Yrigoyen, lampooned in “El Apóstol” as a character dreaming of cleaning up Buenos Aires by hurling lightning bolts from Jupiter to set it ablaze and rebuild it. The film was a bold, audacious undertaking, especially considering the technological limitations of the era. Cristiani and his small team meticulously crafted over 58,000 drawings to bring his vision to life, a feat that consumed nearly a year.
The film’s production relied heavily on cut-out animation, a technique where characters and objects are constructed from flat shapes and moved incrementally frame by frame. The sheer volume of artwork required highlights the dedication and unwavering belief Cristiani had in his project.
Success and Loss: The Fate of “El Apóstol”
Upon its release in Buenos Aires, “El Apóstol” was a resounding success. Audiences were captivated by the novelty of a full-length animated film, and Cristiani was hailed as a visionary. The film played to packed theaters, cementing its place in Argentine film history.
Tragically, however, no known copies of “El Apóstol” survived. A devastating fire in 1926 consumed Enrique Gouk’s film vault, where the original negative and all known prints of the film were stored. The loss of “El Apóstol” is a profound blow to animation history, leaving us with only fragmented descriptions and tantalizing stills to imagine its grandeur. Despite its absence, “El Apóstol” remains a pivotal milestone, forever etched as the first full-length animated feature film.
Animation Before Disney: Contextualizing Cristiani’s Achievement
While Disney is undoubtedly the most recognizable name in animation history, it’s crucial to understand that animation existed long before Mickey Mouse. “El Apóstol” stands as a testament to this fact, demonstrating the innovative spirit and artistic drive of early animators working independently.
Cristiani’s accomplishment highlights the fact that parallel developments were occurring globally in the early days of cinema. Animators from different countries were experimenting with various techniques and pushing the boundaries of what was possible. “El Apóstol” is not merely a precursor to Disney; it’s a landmark achievement in its own right, representing a unique and valuable contribution to the evolution of animation.
The fact that it was a satire also sets it apart. Early animation was often geared towards children’s entertainment. Cristiani’s film proves that the medium was capable of sophisticated social commentary from its very beginnings.
Unraveling the Mystery: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions that shed further light on “El Apóstol” and the fascinating world of early animation:
FAQ 1: What exactly defines a “full-length feature film”?
A full-length feature film is generally defined as a film running at least 40 minutes in length. “El Apóstol” clocked in at approximately 70 minutes, solidifying its status as a feature-length production. This minimum runtime separates it from short animated films that were common at the time.
FAQ 2: What animation techniques did Quirino Cristiani use?
Cristiani primarily employed cut-out animation. This involved creating characters and backgrounds from cardboard or other flat materials, cutting them into individual pieces, and then moving them slightly between each frame of film. This technique, while labor-intensive, was a popular method in the early days of animation due to its relative simplicity.
FAQ 3: What was the plot of “El Apóstol” about?
“El Apóstol” centered around President Hipólito Yrigoyen dreaming of ascending to Jupiter to obtain lightning bolts. He then planned to use these bolts to cleanse and rebuild Buenos Aires, eradicating corruption and inefficiency. The film was a satirical commentary on Yrigoyen’s political ambitions and his promises of reform.
FAQ 4: Why isn’t “El Apóstol” better known today?
The primary reason for the film’s obscurity is its complete destruction in a fire. Without a surviving print, it’s impossible to view or study the film directly. Furthermore, the lack of widespread distribution and the silent film era also contributed to its gradual fading from public consciousness.
FAQ 5: Did Quirino Cristiani create any other significant animated works?
Yes, Cristiani went on to create the world’s first animated feature film with sound, “Peludópolis” (1931), again using a political theme. However, like “El Apóstol”, this film has also been lost to time. He continued to work in animation throughout his career, though his early groundbreaking achievements are often overlooked.
FAQ 6: How did “El Apóstol” influence later animators?
While its direct influence is difficult to assess due to the film’s loss, “El Apóstol” undeniably demonstrated the potential of animation as a feature-length medium. It paved the way for future animators to explore longer narratives and more complex themes. Its existence also serves as a reminder that animation history extends far beyond the familiar names of Disney and others.
FAQ 7: What sources exist to learn more about “El Apóstol”?
Information about “El Apóstol” can be found in film history books, animation journals, and online archives. Key sources include historical accounts of Argentine cinema and biographies of Quirino Cristiani. Searching for scholarly articles on early animation pioneers is also a valuable research method.
FAQ 8: How long did it take to produce “El Apóstol”?
The production of “El Apóstol” was a significant undertaking, requiring nearly a year of meticulous work by Cristiani and his team. The sheer volume of drawings – over 58,000 – underscores the dedication and effort involved.
FAQ 9: What was the public’s reaction to “El Apóstol” at the time of its release?
Upon its release in 1917, “El Apóstol” was met with enthusiasm and critical acclaim. Audiences were amazed by the novelty of a full-length animated film, and the film became a box office success in Buenos Aires.
FAQ 10: What materials were used to create the animation cels (cut-outs)?
Although precise details are lost, evidence suggests Cristiani primarily used cardboard and similar flat materials for his cut-out animation. The materials had to be rigid enough to hold their shape but also flexible enough to be manipulated for movement.
FAQ 11: Was “El Apóstol” the first animated film ever made?
No. “El Apóstol” was the first animated feature film. Short animated films existed prior to 1917. Early examples include Émile Cohl’s “Fantasmagorie” (1908), considered by many to be the first animated cartoon.
FAQ 12: Could “El Apóstol” ever be reconstructed?
Reconstructing “El Apóstol” in its entirety is likely impossible without discovering surviving prints. However, researchers and animators could potentially create a reimagining or reconstruction based on available descriptions, stills, and historical context. This would be a challenging but potentially rewarding project to honor Cristiani’s legacy.
Remembering a Lost Masterpiece
“El Apóstol” stands as a testament to the power of vision and the enduring legacy of early animation pioneers. While the film itself may be lost, its place in history is secure. It serves as a reminder that the story of animation is far richer and more complex than we often realize, and that exploring these forgotten chapters can reveal hidden gems and inspire future generations of animators. By acknowledging and celebrating “El Apóstol,” we honor the spirit of innovation and the relentless pursuit of artistic expression that defines the art of animation.