Joan C. Gratz

Directing

Joan C. Gratz

Born April 6, 1941 · Los Angeles, CA (age 85)

Joan Carol Gratz is an American artist, animator, and filmmaker who specializes in clay painting. Gratz is best known for her 1992 Oscar-winning animated short film Mona Lisa Descending a Staircase.

Known For

Kahlil Gibran's The ProphetKahlil Gibran's The Prophet · 2014
Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet
★ 7.42014
MovieAnimation
Exiled artist and poet Mustafa embarks on a journey home with his housekeeper and her daughter; together the trio must evade the authorities who fear that the truth in Mustafa's words will incite rebellion.
The Adventures of Mark TwainThe Adventures of Mark Twain · 1985
The Adventures of Mark Twain
★ 6.71985
MovieAnimationAdventure
Based on elements from the stories of Mark Twain, this feature-length Claymation fantasy follows the adventures of Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher and Huck Finn as they stowaway aboard the interplanetary balloon of Mark Twain. Twain, disgusted with the human race, is intent upon finding Halley's Comet and crashing into it, achieving his "destiny." It's up to Tom, Becky, and Huck to convince him that his judgment is wrong and that he still has much to offer humanity that might make a difference. Their efforts aren't just charitable; if they fail, they will share Twain's fate. Along the way, they use a magical time portal to get a detailed overview of the Twain philosophy, observing the "historical" events that inspired his works.
The Battle for Swan LakeThe Battle for Swan Lake · 2024
The Battle for Swan Lake
2024
Movie
Cats, a dog, and a fish head perform the classic ballet, Swan Lake.
Pro and ConPro and Con · 1993
Pro and Con
1993
MovieAnimation
A powerful, emotional and sometimes humorous look at the daily life of a prison inmate and a corrections officer.
CandyjamCandyjam · 1988
Candyjam
★ 5.81988
MovieAnimation
Candyjam is a whimsical, animated collaboration by 10 animators from four countries: David Anderson (England), Karen Aqua (USA), Craig Bartlett (USA), Elizabeth Buttler (USA), Paul Driessen (Holland), Tom Gasek (USA), Joan Gratz (USA), Christine Panushka (USA), Joanna Priestley (USA) and Marv Newland (Canada).
The Festival of ClaymationThe Festival of Claymation · 1987
The Festival of Claymation
★ 7.01987
MovieAnimation
A sampler of the work of Will Vinton's animation using clay figures, including the shorts "Dinosaur," "The Great Cognito," "A Christmas Gift," and "Vanz Kant Danz."
The One-Minute MemoirThe One-Minute Memoir · 2020
The One-Minute Memoir
2020
MovieAnimation
When Academy Award®–winning animator and painter Joan Gratz asked eleven filmmakers if they would contribute to an omnibus film, she wasn’t sure what to expect—after prompting them to make a “one-minute memoir,” she let them figure out the rest. The One-Minute Memoir is the exuberant result: eleven stories ranging from the heartfelt to the absurd, all reflective of each director’s personal style.
Night WeaverNight Weaver
Night Weaver
Movie
An animated tapestry of abstract images inspired the decorative arts of Islamic women.

Filmography

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The Adventures of Mark TwainThe Adventures of Mark Twain · 1985
The Adventures of Mark Twain
★ 6.71985
MovieAnimationAdventure
Based on elements from the stories of Mark Twain, this feature-length Claymation fantasy follows the adventures of Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher and Huck Finn as they stowaway aboard the interplanetary balloon of Mark Twain. Twain, disgusted with the human race, is intent upon finding Halley's Comet and crashing into it, achieving his "destiny." It's up to Tom, Becky, and Huck to convince him that his judgment is wrong and that he still has much to offer humanity that might make a difference. Their efforts aren't just charitable; if they fail, they will share Twain's fate. Along the way, they use a magical time portal to get a detailed overview of the Twain philosophy, observing the "historical" events that inspired his works.

Set Designer