Animated Film 'In Waves' Opens Cannes Critics’ Week
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Phuong Mai Nguyen's animated feature 'In Waves' has opened the Cannes Critics’ Week. The film, based on a true story and graphic novel, follows two high school students in Los Angeles. It features voice work by Stephanie Hsu and Will Sharpe.
Facts First
- Opened Cannes Critics’ Week, a major platform for first and second films
- Directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen, a Vietnamese filmmaker who studied animation in France
- Based on AJ Dungo’s 2019 graphic novel, which was inspired by his personal experiences
- Features a voice cast including Stephanie Hsu and Will Sharpe
- Created digitally by people, with Nguyen stating she did not use AI
What Happened
The animated feature film "In Waves," directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen, opened the Cannes Critics’ Week. The film is an adaptation of AJ Dungo’s 2019 graphic novel, produced by Silex Films and sold by Charades. The story follows two high school students in Los Angeles—a skateboarder and a surfer—as the surfer learns to surf with a prosthetic leg following a cancer diagnosis. The film features English-language voice work by Stephanie Hsu and Will Sharpe, and an original French-language cast including Rio Vega and Lyna Khoudri.
Why this Matters to You
If you enjoy animated films that explore personal and emotional stories, "In Waves" may be of interest. The film's focus on themes of love, illness, and resilience, based on a true story, could offer a poignant cinematic experience. Its premiere at Cannes Critics’ Week suggests it is likely to gain attention on the international festival circuit, which could lead to wider distribution and availability for audiences.
What's Next
The film does not currently have a distributor. Its reception at Cannes Critics’ Week may influence its search for distribution, which could determine when and where audiences will be able to see it.