Italian
Michel Gondry’s heartfelt stop-motion film finds a new home with indie sales
An intimate story of father-daughter bonds
Paris-based sales agent Indie Sales has acquired “Maya, Give Me a Title,” a deeply personal stop-motion project directed by the visionary Michel Gondry. Known for iconic films like “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, Gondry brings his unique storytelling prowess to this new venture, narrated by the talented Pierre Niney (popular for his role in “The Count of Monte Cristo”).
Crafting a tale from a distance
The film unfolds around Gondry’s actual long-distance relationship with his daughter, Maya. Living in separate countries, Gondry reaches out to his daughter every evening with a simple yet touching request: “Maya, give me a title.” Based on her imaginative responses, Gondry crafts a short animated segment each night where Maya becomes the hero. This innovative process not only nurtures their bond but also results in a collection of enchanting mini-narratives.
Georges Bermann, Gondry’s long-term collaborator from Partizan Films, is producing the film, ensuring the project maintains its intimate and genuine feel. The Jokers Films will handle its release in France, bringing this touching story to a wider audience.
Gondry’s artistic evolution
Michel Gondry’s journey through cinema is marked by inventiveness and emotional depth. Besides the critically acclaimed “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, his filmography includes the whimsical “The Science of Sleep”, the inventive “Be Kind Rewind”, and the introspective “The Book of Solutions”. His use of stop-motion has been a signature style since his early days with music videos like Björk’s “Human Behaviour” and The White Stripes’ “Fell in Love with a Girl”.
Indie sales and its animation legacy
Indie Sales has built a reputation for championing premium European animated features. Their track record includes successful titles like “My Life as a Zucchini”, which found audiences in over 80 countries, and “No Dogs or Italians Allowed”, which won accolades at Annecy and the European Film Awards.
Constance Poubelle, from Indie Sales, praises Gondry’s new film, stating, “Michel Gondry once again ushers us into his unique universe with this poetic and enchanting tribute of love from a father to his daughter. ‘Maya, Give Me a Title’ is poised to captivate his global audience, resonating profoundly with families around the world.”
Additionally, a sequel, narrated by Blanche Gardin, is already in post-production, promising to continue the magical journey.
Expanding horizons with upcoming titles
Indie Sales continues to enrich their robust portfolio with diverse and compelling films. Their fall lineup includes the Venice award winner “Happy Holidays” by Scandar Copti, along with anticipated releases such as “It Takes Two to Tango” by Jean-Pierre Améris and Laura Wandel’s “L’interet d’Adam”.
Final thoughts
“Maya, Give Me a Title” stands out as a tender exploration of familial love, capturing the essence of communication and creativity. Michel Gondry’s dedication to his craft and his innovative approach to storytelling shine through, making this film a heartwarming addition to his illustrious career.
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