“This is not a film just for kids!”

Hernán is a child who likes to daydreaming, but in his studies he is not doing well at all. His father constantly urges him to improve, advising him that he must reach very high to succeed in life. Hernán dispenses with his dream, gradually forgetting it to devote himself to his studies. Over time, and already become a successful entrepreneur, Hernán achieves the dream that his father instilled in him, reach high, until one day he will realize that he has not really achieved something he always longed for. Then he will make the crucial decision to fulfil his dream, but fate will play tricks on him. Hernán will have to face a new challenge that will change the meaning of his life.

It’s unsurprising why “The Boy and the Mountain” has had over 120 official selections and multiple awards. This film is a prime example of how animation is the perfect medium to entertain audiences of all kinds and evoke powerful emotion. This is not a film just for kids!

The first point to make with this film is how stunning it looks. Even with a modest budget, this animation looks as though it has a much larger production value and wouldn’t look out of place on the big screen.

The character design is unique and stands out, whilst feeling natural and not over the top. Each character looks part of the world they’ve created and are able to deliver great performances. Hernán is designed in a way which captures the innocence of a child and ready for the world ahead.

The world building and scenes are superb to act as the backdrop. Especially the detail used for the opening 1975 scenes which look authentic, even up to the more modern 2012 look. Everything fits perfectly and is a testament to the animators involved.

But besides the incredible animation and character design, the main feature here is the writing. The story is compelling and relatable to audiences and doesn’t hold back. You can’t help but root for young Hernán as we see him go from a young daydreamer to a man whose lost his way. The metaphor of the mountain is perfect to visually tell this story of overcoming and achieving your goal, no matter your age.

The Boy and the Mountain is animation at its best, and directors Santiago Aguilera and Gabriel Monreal clearly demonstrate filmmaking with complete understanding and passion.

— APEX Film Awards