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 Prophet · 2014Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet
★ 7.32014
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 Twain · 1985The 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.
Night WeaverNight Weaver
Movie
An animated tapestry of abstract images inspired the decorative arts of Islamic women.
Candyjam · 1988Candyjam
★ 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).
Mona Lisa Descending a Staircase · 1992Mona Lisa Descending a Staircase
★ 6.81992
MovieAnimationMusic
Two-dimensional clay animations melding and merging the work of 35 famous artists.
The Dowager's Idyll · 2001The Dowager's Idyll
2001
MovieAnimation
2001 Joan C. Gratz animated short
No Leaders, Please · 2021No Leaders, Please
★ 6.62021
MovieAnimation
Works inspired by artists Basquiat, Banksy, Haring, and Ai Weiwei represent Bukowski's poem's theme of self-invention.
The Dowager's Feast · 1996The Dowager's Feast
1996
MovieAnimation
1995 Joan C. Gratz claymation short film




