Those Who Flirt (1919)

Original title: Los que ligan

A wry political satire rendered in early animation, Los Que Ligan uses humor and caricature to explore the aftermath of World War I through the lens of global diplomacy. Focusing on the power plays between England, Germany, France, and Argentina in the wake of the League of Nations' postwar sanctions, Cristiani crafts a sharp, animated allegory that critiques the fragile nature of international relations and Argentina’s place on the world stage. One of the only surviving works by pioneering animator Quirino Cristiani, Los Que Ligan is especially significant for showcasing the wry, politically charged humor that defined his career. Long thought lost, the film was rediscovered during research for Gabriele Zucchelli’s 2008 documentary “Quirino Cristiani: The Mystery of the First Animated Movies”, offering modern audiences a rare glimpse into Cristiani’s legacy and the early history of animated political cinema.