Joe Davis
Credits: Origami Alive animator, screenwriter
Native of: Newark, NJ
Florida Residency: Boca Raton

Film South Florida: Describe Origami Alive in 20 words or less.
          
Davis: A little girl makes an origami crane that inspires what becomes a lifelong passion for creativity and design.
             
Film South Florida: What was the film’s source of inspiration?
            
Davis: Origami Alive was inspired by the origami artist Leonor Rosser, who had approached me about the possibility of creating a series of short animations where each would depict an origami animal that comes to life. We were also interested in showing how origami theory is now being used by scientists at NASA to design satellite components and how a child's creativity might lead to a lifelong passion. Finally, my sister's music is always a departure point for me to visualize what I want to do.
           
Film South Florida: What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome while making your film?
          
Davis: Telling a complex story in only a few minutes without words. Also, there is a CGI sequence at the end that had to blend with the "hand-drawn" feel of the rest of the animation.  
              
Film South Florida: What was the most memorable moment of making the film?
              
Davis: When I finished.
             
Film South Florida: How important is it that Origami Alive is screening during the PBIFF?
              
Davis: I am always happy for an opportunity to show my work particularly on a large screen.
              
Film South Florida: How has living in Florida shaped your vision as a filmmaker?
              
Davis: Not much really. I lived in New York City for 15 years as a painter. My art still draws heavily on the imagery I acquired over that time. for example, the building in the animation is a real building in the Village. The next one though will be set in Florida.

ORIGAMI ALIVE:
Time: 7:15 p.m. Monday, April 18 (screened during Voices of Local Film)
Location: Muvico Parisian 20, CityPlace, 545 Hibiscus St., West Palm Beach
Tickets: Regular theater matinee and evening prices
Information: (561) 362-0003
Web site: http://www.pbifilmfest.org/films.asp?catID=14

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