Oscar Winner Adapts Novel About Talking, Thinking Dogs

Oscar-winning director Chris Landreth and Copperheart Entertainment are set to finance "Fifteen Dogs," an animated adaptation of André Alexis' award-winning novel. This project will be among the first to feature at the European Film Market's new Animation Days from February 12 to 14, 2026. The film will delve into the philosophical exploration of human consciousness through the eyes of dogs who gain cognitive and speech abilities.

Copperheart Entertainment, known for the animated family feature "Night of the Zoopocalypse," is deliberately shifting its focus to dramatic animation for teen and adult audiences with "Fifteen Dogs." The narrative originates from a wager between Greek Gods, Hermes and Apollo, on whether animals would be happier with human-like intelligence. The story follows a group of dogs grappling with newfound awareness of time, love, power, and mortality.

Directed by Chris Landreth, renowned for his Oscar-winning short "Ryan," and his Oscar-nominated short "The End," this feature will be his directorial debut. He plans to employ his signature 'psychorealism' animation style to visually express characters' inner emotional states. Steven Hoban is writing the screenplay and producing alongside Mark Smith. "Fifteen Dogs" promises a deeply human story about love, mortality, and curiosity, aiming for a powerful connection with global audiences.