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In 16th-century Scotland, young Sawney Beane yearns to itch and scratch and buccaneer. So he bids farewell to his parents and their life of honest toil.

Forty years on, Mr. Beane croaks his dying wish to Betty, his wife. "Go and find our lost son." And so Betty strikes off on her quest across the land, with the family savings in a hankie and a secret suspicion in her heart.

The True Story of Sawney Beane reveals what really happened to the infamous Scottish cannibal. Not only was he the vilest felon in the kingdom of King James VI, he was also a son, beloved of Betty. The story, brought to life with charcoal and soft washes of colour, is written and animated by filmmaker Elizabeth Hobbs. It is narrated in actress Sheila Donald's rich brogue and scored by Normand Roger.

Technique: charcoal and watercolour on paper.

2005, 10 min 39 s

Animation Express - Blu-ray

Award for Best International Programme 3
London International Animation Festival - LIAF
August 22 to 27 2006, London - England

"Centaur" Prize for best animation film, Cash prize of 2000 USD
Message to Man
July 19 to 28 2006, St. Petersburg - Russia

Cineplex Odeon Award for Best Short Animation
Film Festival
January 27 to February 5 2006, Victoria - Canada

McLaren Award for New British Animation
International Film Festival
August 17 to 28 2005, Edinburgh - Scotland