5 titles to be highlighted as part of the Festival de Cannes’ Animation Day on May 18: ‘Julián,’ ‘Sunny,’ ‘Ana, en passant,’ ‘Dante,’ and ‘Mu Yi and the Handsome General.’
‘Julián,’ from Cartoon Saloon. Image: Cartoon Saloon.
Cannes’ Annecy Animation Showcase, co-organized by the Marché du Film and Annecy Festival, has unveiled the five titles to be highlighted as part of the Festival de Cannes’ Animation Day on May 18.
This year’s films, from both emerging talents and established filmmakers, include:
Julián
Adapted from the picture book “Julián is a Mermaid” by Jessica Love, Julián follows a young boy through a summer of discovery, imagination and transformation. Louise Bagnall (Late Afternoon) directs. Cartoon Saloon produces, with completion slated for 2026.
Sunny
From Michael Arias (Tekkonkinkreet) and set in 1970s Japan, Sunny takes viewers inside Star Kids, a foster home for wayward kids. GKIDS and dwarf studios produce, with completion slate for 2029.
Ana, en passant
Directed by Fernanda Alves Salgado, Ana, en passant centers on a young woman grieving her grandmother’s death and featyres a lyrical and visually textured style. The Brazilian-French co-production is from Apiario Creative Studio, with completion slated for 2026.
Dante
Directed by Linda Hambäck (The Ape Star), Dante brings Scandinavian humor with a side of mystery, confusion, and chaos. Lee Film produces, with completion slated for 2026.
Mu Yi and the Handsome General
The French-produced tale promises a coming-of-age journey with humor, heart, and a dash of romance, from director Julien Chheng (The Summit of the Gods) and Studio La Cachette. Slated for completion in 2026.
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
