Animated Ghost Story Heads to Annecy Fest

Anshuman Jha's First Ray Films has joined forces with Little Lamb Films as a co-producer for "Error#404," a pioneering Indian animated feature. This collaboration marks the debut in feature animation for both production companies.

The film has been selected as one of five Indian projects for the MIFA Namaste India Pitch Sessions at the prestigious Annecy Animation Festival 2026. It will be presented to international industry professionals this week.

Director Farah Khatun's vision for "Error#404" was initially discovered by Jha at the 2025 Kerala Film Market. The film's narrative is set in Akara, a dystopian island city ruled by a regime that prohibits tree planting.

Ten-year-old Gauri finds herself responsible for a mission to defy this ban, protect the last surviving trees, and save a colony of ghosts. She is aided by a varied group of humans and non-humans armed with magical underworld seeds.

Previously, "Error#404" won the Best Pitch award at India's Animela 2026, preceding its Annecy selection. Jha expressed his excitement, noting the story's imaginative, entertaining, and socially relevant qualities, and his hope that it inspires his daughter. Monalisa Mukherji of Little Lamb Films welcomed First Ray Films, highlighting Jha's connection to the film's emotional depth and global appeal. This partnership aims to strengthen their vision as they present the project at Annecy and beyond.