Dandelooo Sets Annecy Slate & Events

Dandelooo’s The Upside Down River has been selected for a Work in Progress (WIP) session at Annecy.

Co-produced by Dandelooo, Vivi Film and Sparkle Animation, The Upside Down River is an adaptation of the children’s novel La rivière à l’envers by Jean Claude Mourlevat. Director Paul Leluc will lead the session on June 10, giving an insight into the production, concept, story and artistic and technical development of the 2D animation series.

The title, targeted at 8- to 12-year-olds, tells the story of Hannah and Tomek, whose quests overlap on their way to the Qjar River.

Pong Pong Dino is also on offer from Dandelooo, takes place in a world where food comes to life. “It encourages children to develop an interest in a wide variety of foods and aims to dispel preconceptions that they may have about nourishment, helping to create a more open-minded approach to eating,” says Emmanuèle Pétry, producer and head of distribution.

Birds & Bees, a stop-motion series for 8- to 11-year-olds, teaches lessons about sexuality, emotions and body development.

“Our shows try to make outstanding design meet a strong message, and we believe subtle humor is key to catching kids’ attention and imagination and conveying meanings and emotions,” Pétry adds. “All three shows are deeply meaningful, with the objective to help children understand their world.”

An outdoor public screening of the 50-minute film Dounia—The Great White North has been scheduled for June 10 at Annecy as well.

Hola Frida!, an animated feature film about Frida Kahlo’s childhood, will be showcased with exclusive footage and music at a screening event on June 11. The event will feature French pop singer Olivia Ruiz reading a selection of Frida Kahlo’s letters.