Utah's Own 'Ninety-Five Senses' Animates Its Way to the Oscars: A Triumph for Emerging Filmmakers

As the lights dim and the projector whirls to life, there's a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. It's not every day that a project from the Salt Lake Film Society (SLFS) finds itself in the limelight of the Academy Awards. Yet, here we are, celebrating the Oscar nomination for Best Animated Short Film for 'Ninety-Five Senses,' a testament to the boundless creativity and ambition thriving in the heart of Utah.

A Unique Vision Brought to Life

At the helm of this remarkable journey is Tori Baker, CEO and president of SLFS and vice chair of The Cinema Foundation, whose vision alongside co-founder Miles David Romney, gave birth to the MAST program. This initiative is not just a filmmaking endeavor; it's a breeding ground for what Baker and Romney dub 'entrepreneur-artists.' 'Ninety-Five Senses,' a thirteen-minute animated marvel, stands as a crowning achievement of this program, showcasing the talents of six animators guided by the creative minds of Jared and Jerusha Hess.

The film's inception during the unpredictable days of the early pandemic did not deter its creators. Instead, it offered an opportunity to explore profound themes of death, reflection, and gratitude through the lens of animation. The narrative, centered on the recollections of a death row inmate named Coy, voiced by Tim Blake Nelson, traverses the five senses in a series of vignettes, each animated in a distinct style that lends a timeless quality to the storytelling.

Fostering Talent, Celebrating Community

A key aspect of 'Ninety-Five Senses' success lies in its community-oriented production approach. The majority of artists, filmmakers, and crew hail from Utah, turning what could have been just another animated short into a vibrant celebration of local talent. This project not only highlights the prowess of Utah's creative minds but also underscores the SLFS's commitment to nurturing emerging filmmakers through practical experience and mentorship.

As a 501c3 charitable nonprofit, both MAST and 'Ninety-Five Senses' rely heavily on the generosity of cinema enthusiasts. The support garnered thus far has not only fueled the project's journey to nearly 40 festivals worldwide, where it clinched several top prizes, but also cemented its place in the Oscar spotlight. This nomination is not just a personal victory for the Hess duo, marking their first foray into the Oscars, but also a collective triumph for everyone involved in bringing 'Ninety-Five Senses' to life.

A Global Stage for Utah’s Animation Talent

What makes 'Ninety-Five Senses' stand out, aside from its compelling narrative and artistic innovation, is the spotlight it shines on Utah as a burgeoning hub for animation. The collaboration with international talents, particularly from Latin America, adds a rich layer of diversity to the project, showcasing the universal appeal and potential of animated storytelling.

The Oscar nomination coincides with a poignant moment, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Hess' indie hit 'Napoleon Dynamite' at the Sundance Film Festival. This serendipitous timing serves as a reminder of the unpredictable journey of filmmaking, where perseverance, creativity, and community support can lead to unexpected accolades and recognition on the world’s most prestigious stages.

The story of 'Ninety-Five Senses' and its creators is a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring filmmakers everywhere. It illustrates that with passion, collaboration, and a supportive community, even the most ambitious projects can achieve global acclaim. As the Salt Lake Film Society continues to empower artist-entrepreneurs through initiatives like MAST, the future of animation in Utah looks brighter than ever, promising more innovative storytelling and international accolades in the years to come.