In the animated film “Arco” by writer and director Ugo Bienvenu, a unique perspective on the future unfolds through two distinct time frames. The storyline follows a 10-year-old boy who inadvertently travels back from the year 2932 to the near future of 2075. In the distant future, the world is devastated by climate disasters and rising sea levels, rendering it nearly uninhabitable despite its remaining beauty portrayed in Bienvenu’s captivating 2D animation style.
Upon arriving in the near future, the boy encounters a more recognizable but equally threatened world. A massive forest fire looms on the outskirts of a village he stumbles upon, while the residents choose to ignore the impending crisis. Bienvenu and co-producer Natalie Portman, who also stars in the film, view these contrasting futures as reflections of potential outcomes for humanity.
For Bienvenu, “Arco” serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring the younger generation to embrace their aspirations and ideas to shape a better future. Portman is drawn to the film’s dual portrayal of light and dark futures, emphasizing the unpredictability of what lies ahead. The belief in human creativity and innovation to drive positive change forms the core message of the film.
The film’s ability to present solutions without imposing a definitive forecast has garnered critical acclaim, including winning the best animated feature at the European Film Awards and securing a nomination for the same category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. Despite the accolades, Bienvenu emphasizes that the essence of “Arco” lies in the notion that sometimes, losing can lead to ultimate victory, echoing the ancient sentiment that ‘from wrong comes the right.’
