Neon has picked up North American distribution rights to Robot Dreams, an adaptation of Sara Varon’s award-winning graphic novel that marks the first animated title from Spanish director Pablo Berger (Blancanieves, Abracadabra). Announced in 2020, the film hails from Arcadia Motion Pictures (Spain), in co-production with Noodles Production and Les Films du Worso (France), and will premiere this Saturday in the Cannes Festival’s Special Screenings.
“I could not be more proud to have this genius rock-and-roll team on board to distribute this absolute wonder,” said Adeline Fontan Tessaur, Co-Founder of worldwide sales agent Elle Driver, who negotiated the sale with Neon’s Sarah Colvin. “We know that Neon will know how to get this film that overflows with emotion to the largest possible audience.”
Synopsis: Dog lives in Manhattan and he’s tired of being alone. One day he decides to build himself a robot, a companion. Their friendship blossoms, until they become inseparable, to the rhythm of ’80s NYC. One summer night, Dog, with great sadness, is forced to abandon Robot at the beach. Will they ever meet again?
Berger directed and wrote the film based on Varon’s graphic novel. He also served as producer alongside Ibon Cormenzana, Ignasi Estapé, Sandra Tapia Diaz and Ángel Durández, with Jérôme Vidal, Sylvie Pialat and Benoit Quainon coproducing. The filmmaking team included art director José Luis Agreda (Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles), animation director Benoît Féroumont* (lead animator, The Triplets of Belleville; animation supervisor, The Secret of Kells) and composer Alfonso de Vilallonga (Blancanieves),
Neon previously handled distribution for the triple Oscar-nominated indie animation sensation Flee, which won the Annie Award for Best Animated Feature – Independent.
*A previous version of this article contained outdated information on the project’s animation director.
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