EXCLUSIVE: Gebeka Films has acquired French distribution rights to Oscar-nominated filmmaker Louise Bagnall’s animated feature Julián ahead of its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival later this month.

The picture is produced by five-time Academy Award-nominated Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon, the award-winning animation production house behind The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, Wolfwalkers and The Breadwinner.

Adapted from Jessica Love’s 2014 bestselling children’s book Julián Is a Mermaid, the film revolves seven-year-old Julián who spends the summer with a grandmother he barely knows. He is amazed to discover her treasure-trove apartment, his own Caribbean heritage and the surroundong lively Brooklyn community. But most surprising of all, Julián discovers that he is a mermaid.

International sales are handled by New Europe Film Sales, which launched sales on the project during the Cannes Film Festival.

The French deal follows a series of international acquisitions already secured for the film, including Ireland (Wildcard Distribution), the U.K. (Elysian Film Group), Canada (Elevation Pictures), Denmark (Angel Films), Sweden (Folkets Bio), Poland (Young Horizons) and Norway (Arthaus).

Julián marks the feature directorial debut of Bagnall, whose short film Late Afternoon earned an Academy Award nomination in 2019. The film is produced by Cartoon Saloon alongside Melusine Studio, Aircraft Pictures and Sun Creature, with Academy Award winner Zoe Saldaña attached as executive producer.

Jan Naszewski, CEO of New Europe Film Sales said “We’re thrilled to partner with Gebeka on this title – their track record in promoting smart content for children in France is unbeatable. Julián is in good hands.”

Vladimir Koch of Gebeka Films comments: “Julián is a very creative and refreshing animation feature film for the young audience. We are very happy to work on this title with Gebeka films for the release in France. Kids will love the film and we already have ideas for school screenings to introduce the film with many activities”

Release details for France will be announced at a later date.

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