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Ventana Sur’s Animation! WIPs by Annecy Unveils Exciting Projects for 2024
An overview of this year’s selection
Ventana Sur’s Animation! WIPs by Annecy, known for its curated and prestigious selection, has revealed the five dynamic features set to participate in its 2024 edition, set to take place later this month.
This year’s Montevideo-based event showcases titles from across Latin America and features collaborations with producers from Europe and North America. Represented countries include Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Spain, Canada, France, and the U.S. This diverse selection highlights the narrative and technical variety, underscoring the impressive growth of the region’s animation industry.
Below is an in-depth look at the diverse and promising slate of feature titles set for presentation at this year’s Animation! WIPs by Annecy.
Exploring the standout titles
A Brazilian take on a classic: “Heart of Darkness”
“Heart of Darkness”, set in modern-day Brazil, is a 2D animated adaptation of the classic 19th-century novel. It follows Marlon, a police officer tasked with finding Captain Kurtz, a revered colleague who vanished under suspicious circumstances. Marlon’s journey takes him on a perilous voyage through the rugged outskirts of Rio de Janeiro.
Director Rogério Nunes comments, “This production delves into the moral conflict and spiritual struggles of Rio’s outskirts, blending the city’s iconic beauty with the harsh realities faced by its inhabitants.”
The film is being produced by Karmatique Imagens and Split Filmes in Brazil, in collaboration with Special Touch in France. It is in its final stages of production, with a release date set for the first half of 2025. This project has gained significant attention within Latin America, backed by entities like Rio Content Market Lab and Annecy Goes to Cannes.
Fantastical adventure: “The Last Wave”
“The Last Wave” delivers a wild and imaginative narrative following two teenagers, a senior fish, and an avocado on a surreal road trip along the Mexican coast. Their journey turns into a rollercoaster of discovery amid the pursuit of new lives, set against a backdrop of family and gang complications.
“The Last Wave is a film about doubting our own decisions and embracing change, even when it seems overwhelming,” remarks director Karen Viajera. ”We hope to share with audiences the film’s mantra: it’s okay to have no idea.”
This vibrant project is a joint effort among Gasolina Studios in Mexico and Canada, Benuca Films in Mexico, and Womo Studio in the U.S. Expected to be completed by late 2026, the film has garnered notable support and recognition from various markets and festivals.
Racing into action: “Spark Jet & the Mechas”
In “Spark Jet & the Mechas”, viewers follow the journey of Spark Jet, a talented young Beagle with dreams of joining a premier Mecha Racing team. As Spark delves deeper into the world of racing, he uncovers an evil scheme to control the intelligent racing machines and learns about his own family history.
Director Milton Guerrero shares, “Our childhood passions for Formula One and all-animal worlds inspired this film. We aim to bring the ‘need for speed’ excitement to kids while portraying the emotional impact of ‘pets’ — our Mechas — being mistreated by bad actors.”
Produced by Red Animation Studios in Peru, this feature is currently in pre-production. The studio has prior experience with successful projects like “Angry Birds” shorts and the “Little Angels” preschool series.
Myth meets animation: “Mu-Ki-Ra”
“Mu-Ki-Ra” is a breathtaking 2D feature co-produced by Letrario in Colombia and Abano Producións in Spain. The film’s vibrant and energetic aesthetic draws from the artwork of Brecht Evens and the traditional techniques of the Emberá and Kuna indigenous peoples.
Filmmaker Estefania Piñeres Duque states, “We have worked diligently to find our own voice in both images and sound. Our team is committed to creating a visually powerful universe that conveys the film’s message.”
Set in a land haunted by monsters made of vegetation, “Mu-Ki-Ra” follows Cleo, a 13-year-old girl, on a quest to rescue her younger brother Martín from a beast named Mukira. The film has captivated audiences since its debut at the Animation Day of the Marché du Film.
Historical drama: ”Winnipeg, Seeds of Hope”
“Winnipeg, Seeds of Hope” traces the harrowing story of Victor, a widowed father, and his daughter Julia, who fled Barcelona in 1939. Their only hope of escape from concentration camps lies aboard the Winnipeg, a ship chartered to take over 2,000 refugees to Valparaíso, Chile, thanks to the legendary Chilean poet Pablo Neruda and the Quakers in Paris.
Elio Quiroga, one of the directors, mentions, “The true drama of Winnipeg is a universal story, celebrating the best of human generosity. Thousands of desperate refugees on old European borders reflect a story more significant than ever.”
Combining 2D and CG techniques, this anticipated historical drama is co-produced by Dibulitoon Studio in Spain, El Otro Film in Chile, and Malabar TV in Argentina.
Conclusion
The 2024 edition of Ventana Sur’s Animation! WIPs by Annecy promises to deliver an array of compelling stories filled with technical innovation and narrative richness. With diverse cultural backdrops and visionary storytelling, these projects stand as testaments to the burgeoning growth and creativity within the animation industry.
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