France TV Distribution has acquired The Songbirds’ Secret (Le secret des mésanges), by Antoine Lanciaux (Poppety in the Fall, Neige). The feature-length paper cut-out animated children’s film will launch at the Cannes Film Festival and Market next month, with FTD handing worldwide distribution.
The film is produced by Folimage and Les Armateurs, and distributed in France by Gebeka Films.
“This is a family project of wild ambition: Created by using paper cut-outs in stop-motion animation, a technique that hasn’t been used in a feature film for over 30 years. It is this kind of ambitious film that showcases the talent of French animation,” said Alexandre René, VP International Cinema Sales, and Julia Schulte, SVP International Sales, for France TV Distribution. “We are excited to present this animated film to buyers worldwide this Cannes.”
©Folimage – Les Armateurs – Lunanime – Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Cinéma – Will Production – JPL Films – Dragons Films – Pictanovo – Folimage animation – TNZPV Productions
Synopsis: When nine-year-old Lucie arrives at Bectoile for vacation, she has no idea of the adventures ahead. Her mother, Caroline, is leading an archaeological dig in the region with her colleague, Pierrot. Bectoile is also the town where Caroline grew up, and the scene of a family secret… which Lucie is about to unveil!
With the help of her new friend Yann and a very special pair of songbirds, Lucie is determined to delve into her family story. From the underground of a ruined castle to a camper van parked on the edge of the woods, this adventure will lead them from unusual surprises to fabulous discoveries!
The Songbirds’ Secret is directed by Lanciaux and written by Lanciaux and Pierre-Luc Granjon, who worked together on the Annecy Award-winning TV special Poppety in the Fall. The film also features graphic design by Sophie Roze and Samuel Ribeyron.
Produced by Folimage, Les Armateurs, Lunanime, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Cinéma, Will Production, JPL Films, Dragons Films, Pictanovo, Folimage animation and TNZPV Productions.
The project was supported by CNC, Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Région Grand Est, Région Sud, Région Bretagne, VAF, Screen Flanders, Tax Shelter, Centre du Cinéma et de l’Audiovisuel de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, Région Hauts-de-France, Gebeka Films, France télévisions Distribution, Cofinova 18, Cofinova 19, Procirep-Angoa and Ciclic; co-financed by the MEDIA Creative Europe program; in association with Canson and the INRAP.
Check out a behind-the-scenes visit from France 3 news to Folimage in 2022:
