In the animated film “Arco” by filmmaker Ugo Bienvenu, two distinct visions of the future are depicted. The storyline unfolds by alternating between two time frames, following a 10-year-old boy who accidentally travels back from the distant future of 2932 to the near future of 2075.
The contrast between these time periods is stark. The future world of 2932 is portrayed as a landscape devastated by climate disasters and rising sea levels, rendering it almost uninhabitable albeit visually striking due to Bienvenu’s intricate 2D art style. On the flip side, the near future of 2075 appears more familiar but is under the looming threat of imminent changes, such as a massive forest fire encroaching on a village where the boy lands, with the locals choosing to ignore the impending crisis.
For Bienvenu and co-producer Natalie Portman, who also stars in the film, these dual perspectives symbolize potential trajectories for our own future. Bienvenu aimed to instill hope and resilience in the youth by emphasizing the significance of ideas, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping a better tomorrow.
Portman was drawn to the project’s nuanced portrayal of both dark and light futures, rejecting simplistic notions of optimism or pessimism. She emphasized the importance of embracing uncertainty and eschewing fatalistic attitudes, advocating instead for a belief in human creativity and innovation as catalysts for positive change. This message resonated well with audiences, leading to critical acclaim for the film, including winning the best animated feature at the European Film Awards and securing a nomination in the same category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards.
Despite its accolades, Bienvenu views the film not as a mere triumph but as a testament to the idea that sometimes defeat can pave the way for victory. He reflected on an ancient adage, “Ex falso verum sequitur,” which encapsulates the notion that from mistakes, truths can emerge. In his view, “Arco” serves as a demonstration of this concept, emphasizing the transformative power of setbacks in ultimately achieving success.