Art faculty wins Best Animated Film at Reedy Reels Film Festival

Professor David Donar has won Best Animated Film for “Crawfish Dance” at the 10th anniversary of the 2025 Reedy Reels Film Festival. The festival highlights independently produced films and offers artist workshops. Serving as a platform for local and student filmmakers to gain exposure they might not otherwise receive.

“Winning this award is a tremendous honor,” Donar said. “Crawfish Dance is a celebration of the rich culture and traditions that inspire my work, infused with a bit of humor for good measure. I’m grateful to the Reedy Reels Film Festival for recognizing this project and providing a space for independent filmmakers to share their stories.”

“Crawfish Dance” is based on the traditional Cajun tune “Johnny Can’t Dance,” with accordion played by Donar and fiddle by Stephen Hudson. Mike Cannon recorded and mixed the song. The animation brings to life the joy and movement found in Cajun culture, blending the vibrancy of the music with visual storytelling.

Donar is no stranger to winning at this festival, having been recognized for several short films. He is a Professor of Art in Animation in Clemson’s Department of Art and a multi-talented musician, playing instruments such as the accordion, banjo and guitar. His fusion of art, music and academic research has led to globally recognized animated content.

In recent years, Donar took a sabbatical research leave through Clemson University to deepen his professional and scholarly work. His research focused on Cajun and Creole culture in Louisiana. Immersing in the region, he studied the diverse styles and rhythms that define its music, from traditional Cajun tunes to Creole dance music.

Donar’s interest in cultural storytelling extends beyond Louisiana. His animated films have been screened at festivals worldwide, including the Toronto Short Film Festival and the MiCe Film Festival in Spain. His film “Church Street, We Were There” won Best Animation at Miami’s Cuban American International Film Festival.

Through animation, Donar bridges art and heritage, crafting narratives that celebrate culture and history. His work continues to connect audiences globally. By blending storytelling with tradition, he ensures that diverse artistic expressions remain thought-provoking and meaningful.

The “Crawfish Dance” film can be viewed on David Donar’s website, daviddonar.com.

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