Criterion Channel Acquires Oscar-Nominated Documentary "Perfectly a Strangeness"

Criterion Channel has announced the acquisition of Alison McAlpine’s Oscar-nominated short documentary, *Perfectly a Strangeness*, which is set to debut on the platform in March. The film has garnered significant acclaim, screening at over 80 international film festivals and winning more than 20 awards, including the Grand Prize at the Festival du Nouveau Cinema and a nomination for Best Documentary Short at the 98th Academy Awards.

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*Perfectly a Strangeness* features a unique narrative centered around three non-human leads—donkeys—who explore an abandoned astronomical observatory in the Atacama Desert, Chile. McAlpine, a poet and filmmaker based in Montreal, employs a distinctive visual style, alternating perspectives between the donkeys and the towering telescopes. The film unfolds over a 24-hour period, emphasizing fundamental cinematic elements such as shadow, light, sound, and reflections, all without dialogue.

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In her exploration of the donkeys’ perspective, McAlpine utilized anamorphic lenses and innovative lighting techniques to reveal the depth of the donkeys' eyes, which she describes as resembling galaxies under certain conditions. This artistic choice aims to challenge viewers to consider how non-human beings perceive their surroundings.

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The acquisition by Criterion Channel is viewed as a significant milestone for McAlpine, who expressed her gratitude, stating, “It is a filmmaker’s dream to have one’s film stream on the Criterion Channel. I am truly honored that *Perfectly a Strangeness* will join such a beautifully curated selection of titles.” Criterion Channel is known for its extensive collection of classic and contemporary films, providing a platform for both fiction and nonfiction works presented in high-quality editions.

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Criterion Channel describes itself as “a streaming service dedicated to classic and contemporary cinema, featuring an ever-evolving lineup of films from around the world, presented in high-quality editions with curated programming and special features.” This acquisition aligns with their mission to showcase diverse cinematic voices and innovative storytelling.

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While the film has received widespread acclaim, some critics may question the focus on non-human perspectives in documentary filmmaking. However, McAlpine's approach has been largely celebrated for its creativity and ability to provoke thought about the nature of storytelling and perception.

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• “In the dazzling incandescence of an unknown desert,” reads its logline, “three donkeys discover an abandoned astronomical observatory and the universe.” — Alison McAlpine, Filmmaker

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• “It is a filmmaker’s dream to have one’s film stream on the Criterion Channel. I am truly honored that perfectly a strangeness will join such a beautifully curated selection of titles.” — Alison McAlpine, Filmmaker

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The acquisition of *Perfectly a Strangeness* by Criterion Channel not only highlights the film's artistic merit but also underscores the platform's commitment to promoting innovative and thought-provoking cinema.

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