"Fox and Hare Save the Forest": interview with director Mascha Halberstad

Unveiling the Heartwarming Tale of Friendship: Mascha Halberstad on "Fox and Hare Save the Forest" at Berlinale

"Fox and Hare Save the Forest": interview with director Mascha Halberstad Federica Scarpa

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At the 74th Berlinale International Film Festival, Mascha Halberstad, the director of “Fox and Hare Save the Forest”, graced audiences with insights into her enchanting film presented in the Generation Kplus section. Adapted from a beloved series of books by Flemish author Sylvia Vanden Heede turned TV series, Halberstad introduces new characters like The Beaver and the Pi-Rats while weaving a heartwarming tale of friendship and the value of relationships over material possessions.

Crafting the Characters

Mascha Halberstad emphasizes the importance of character development and voice acting in bringing her animated world to life. Through collaboration with talented actors like Rob Rackstraw and Dan Skinner, Halberstad infused her characters with depth and humor, ensuring they resonate with children and adults alike.

Balancing Message and Entertainment

While “Fox and Hare Save the Forest” carries a message about the importance of friendship over material possessions, Mascha Halberstad approaches it with a light touch, prioritizing laughter and entertainment. In a time of hardship, she believes in the power of laughter to uplift audiences and create meaningful connections.

Challenges and Collaborations

Mascha Halberstad discusses the challenges encountered during production, particularly in crafting the film’s soundtrack with composer André Dziezuk. Their collaboration resulted in a delightful blend of music and lyrics, adding depth and emotion to the storytelling.

Berlinale Experience

Returning to the Berlinale for the second time, the director expresses her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to showcase her film. She values the festival’s platform for engaging with audiences, especially the thoughtful questions posed by German children, highlighting the impact of storytelling on young minds.

“Fox and Hare Save the Forest” is a heartwarming journey that celebrates friendship, resilience, and the power of laughter. Mascha Halberstad‘s creative vision made it a must-watch for audiences of all ages.

Plot

In a large forest clearing, Beaver, a short furry animal with a big ego, inaugurates his masterpiece: a giant dam. With the help of two Rats, he blocks the flow of a river. The water level rises and in no time at all, a giant lake is formed. Beaver is very proud of himself but, to his disappointment, there is no one to admire his feat. Elsewhere in the forest, Fox and Hare have been throwing a party with their friends. After the party, Owl returns home and discovers strange streams of water flowing past his tree. He panics and flees into the forest. The following day, Fox and Hare discover that Owl is missing. They set out with their friends to find him, but instead discover the mysterious lake. Where has all the water come from? While they continue to search for Owl, the water continues to rise, threatening a flood. Their quest to save the forest will test their friendship to the limit!