Home / Arts and Entertainment / Zoe Saldaña's 'Julián' to Premiere at Annecy
Zoe Saldaña's 'Julián' to Premiere at Annecy
28 Apr
Summary
- Animated film 'Julián' will premiere at Annecy Festival in June.
- The story follows a boy's magical summer with his grandmother in Brooklyn.
- It's adapted from Jessica Love's bestselling book 'Julián Is a Mermaid'.
The animated feature "Julián," inspired by Jessica Love's acclaimed picture book, is set to debut at the Annecy Festival in June. Zoe Saldaña, alongside her sisters Mariel and Cisely Saldaña and their production company Cinestar Pictures, has partnered with Cartoon Saloon, Melusine Studio, Aircraft Pictures, and Sun Creature on the project. The Saldañas will also serve as executive producers.
The film tells the story of a 7-year-old boy named Julián who, during a summer spent with his estranged grandmother in Brooklyn, dreams of becoming a mermaid. This magical journey, enriched by his grandmother's storytelling and his surroundings, takes him from city streets to the sea's depths.
"Julián" is the feature directorial debut of Academy Award nominee Louise Bagnall, renowned for her short "Late Afternoon." The screenplay is penned by Dominican-American writer Juliany Taveras. Over 150 artists from Ireland, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Canada have contributed to the film's hand-drawn 2D animation.
New Europe Film Sales and CAA Media Finance are handling international and U.S. sales, respectively. Zoë Saldaña expressed that the story's message of self-expression and acceptance deeply moved her and her sisters, highlighting the film as a celebration of individuality and courage.
