Director's Works
WaterAid, Ode to Water Gareth Bowen
Gareth is an artist and filmmaker, based in London and alumni of Cenral St Martins. His last short, RACE FOR THE CURE, starring Neil Bell (Dead Man's Shoes, Dune, Peterloo) is a fast-paced, urban thriller shot on the streets of Leicester Square about a wannabe who loses his film. His short KILLING OF A SOUTH LONDON LANDLORD was in official selection at London Lift Off Festival.
Directed by Gareth Bowen, the film blends live-action cinematography, handcrafted animation, timelapses, found footage and classic cartoons into a vibrant, layered mosaic of storytelling. Narrated by Scottish actor Mark Bonnar (Celebrity Traitors UK), viewers are taken on a spontaneous, globe-spanning journey that balances humour, wonder and poignancy.
The advert merges handcrafted 2D animation, which brings a nostalgic, light-drenched quality and a sense of playfulness to the story, with tactile, handheld live-action cinematography that captures the spontaneity and unpredictability of life. In contrast, locked-off shots linger on moments of stillness, emphasising the gravity of what it means to live without water.
Found and archival footage were also incorporated into the final film, to add bursts of charm and historical context, while timelapses capture the magical wonder of growth, movement and the passage of time. Match cuts and seamless transitions link disparate scenes into a flowing, cohesive narrative. Even the visual gags and classic cartoon references are carefully integrated to add comedy, cultural touchstones and playful energy.
