Last Hijack - Feature Documentary

  • Writer & Director

    Tommy Palotta & Femke Wolting

Nicky Gogan from Still Films produced the animation for the documentary with Gavin Kelly and the animators at Piranha Bar,
using a bespoke technique developed with Tommy Pallotta over a number of months. The team brought actual oil paintings on
canvas by artist Hisko Hulsing (Montage of Heck) and illustrations by Aaron Sacco (A Scanner Darkly), into a software pipeline
that involved 2D, 3D and sophisticated compositing.

‘Last Hijack’ is an international co-production by Submarine in co-production with Still Films (Ireland), Razor Film (Germany),
Savage Film (Belgium), IKON (The Netherlands) and ZDF (Germany).

The documentary from the team behind A Scanner Darkly and Waking Life, uses an innovative mix of live action and animation to
tell the story of Mohamed, a Somali pirate, entirely from his perspective. A true tale of survival, the film explores how Mohamed came
to live such a brutal and dangerous existence. Animated re-enactments exploring his memories, dreams and fears, are juxtaposed
with up close footage from his everyday life.

What the critics say about LAST HIJACK

“Genre-smashing” – The Village Voice
“Fascinating” – 4 Stars from Entertainment.ie
“Easily one of the best docs of the year” – Indiewire
“Gripping” – Film Journal International
92% – Rotten Tomatoes
“Must-see” – Flavorwire
“Intellectually stimulating…emotionally rewarding” – The Playlist

Credits

Writer & Director: Tommy Palotta & Femke Wolting

Producers: Bruno Felix & Femke Wolting
Co. Producers: Nicky Gogan (Still Films), Gerhard Meixner, Roman Paul & Bart Van Langendonck.
Animation Director: Gavin Kelly
Paintings and Visual Development: Hisko Hulsing
Lead Animator: Sam Boyd
Senior Animator: Simon Burke
Animators: Cormac Kelly, Will Sharkey, Mario Domingos & Pete McEvoy
Animation Production Co-Ordinator: Emily Brady
Animation Production Assistant: Dee Collins
Compositors: Arron Ingles, Gavin Kelly & Alan Foley
Digital Systems Tech: Stephen Murnane
Post Production Manager: Dave Burke
Online Editor: Gordon Prenter
Technical Supervisor: Cathal McHugh
Colour Grading: Eugene McCrystal

Close
Close

Richard Chaney

Partner - Creative Head of Studio

Richard leads the studio—inspiring our multidisciplinary team, scouting emerging global talent and driving exploration of cutting edge technology. With his years of insight working with creatives, he translates studio briefs and collaborates with clients to produce award winning work.

Richard also develops original IP and builds creative partnerships with global brands. He has collaborated with some of the world’s leading names, including Juventus Football Club, Takara Tomy, Heineken, Three Mobile, Virgin Media, and Citroën.

Richard once designed Ireland’s first circular stamp.