FFF21 Calamity, a Childhood of Martha Jane Cannary

Synopsis

The great American frontierswoman Calamity Jane, renowned for her sharp-shooting skills, daredevil nature and rejection of gender norms, has been immortalised in popular culture for decades. But before she travelled to Deadwood to become a legend, she was a high-spirited 12-year-old girl named Martha, and this exciting family-friendly adventure tells her story.

Life on the Oregon Trail in 1863 is far from easy, especially for Martha who has to look after her younger siblings while navigating everything fate throws at them. The wilderness is dangerous, the road is hard and not everybody is happy to be travelling with a young family. But Martha is resilient, resourceful and refuses to play the part of a dutiful and quiet young girl. Full of eventful encounters and a spirit of defiance, Calamity, a Childhood of Martha Jane Cannary is an empowering tale about a strong female hero that all audiences can cheer for.

Directed and co-written by Rémi Chayé (whose previous credits include distinguished animated films such as Long Way North, The Painting and The Secret of Kells), Calamity, a Childhood of Martha Jane Cannary adopts an expressive and colourful animation style, and won the Best Feature Film at the 2020 Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

Awards

Crystal Award for Best Feature Film – Annecy International Animation Film Festival

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