Cartoon Saloon's 'Julián' Dazzles at TIFF 2026

The Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon, renowned for "Wolfwalkers" and "Song of the Sea," presented its newest feature, "Julián," at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. This marks the directorial debut of Louise Bagnall, whose short film "Late Afternoon" earned an Oscar nomination. The film is a co-production with Mélusine Productions, Aircraft Pictures, and Sun Creature Studio.

"Julián" is inspired by Jessica Love's 2018 children's book about a young boy's desire to be a mermaid. The story follows seven-year-old Julián as he stays with his grandmother in Brooklyn. He discovers imagination, friendship, and a deeper connection to his family's Caribbean roots within the vibrant borough. Bagnall emphasized that the film is fundamentally about self-expression and mutual understanding between Julián and his grandmother.

Cultural authenticity was paramount, with screenwriter Juliany Taveras contributing significant insights. Bagnall collaborated closely with Taveras and co-director Guillaume Lorin to ensure a genuine portrayal of the themes. The cast, including actor Milcania, was chosen for their connection to the heritage. While domestic distribution is pending, international distributors include Gebeka Films (France), Elevation Pictures (Canada), Elysian Films (UK), and Wildcard Distribution (Ireland).