07/03/2025 - We present details of four intriguing projects introduced at this year’s Cartoon Movie, which ran in Bordeaux from 4-6 March

The 27th edition of Bordeaux’s Cartoon Movie, the pitching and co-production event dedicated to European animated features, ran this year from 4-6 March.

Here, we present details of four interesting projects that were introduced at this year’s gathering.

The Honey Wars – Andrew Kavanagh (Ireland)

When 12-year-old Ivy and her grieving father move to an old family farm, she discovers an extraordinary gift: the ability to see into a hidden world of magic. Here, fairies and elves are locked in a bitter cold war. With the help of Alfred, a mischievous elf, and Fiona, a determined fairy, Ivy embarks on an adventure to restore peace to the feuding realms, learning about courage, friendship, and forgiveness along the way. This is synopsis of Andrew Kavanagh’s 85-minute feature, who began developing it after receiving an email from his former teacher, who informed him of John Boorman’s interest in making an animated film. In a video message, Boorman reflected on how stories linger in the mind and expressed his excitement about this adaptation. 

“I used to read bedtime stories to my kids, and when I was telling those stories they were crying saying they were boring. That was the sign to drop it. But The Honey Wars was given a warm welcome,” he explained. “I’m very excited about [turning it into animation],” he quipped, “It’s a brilliant story that risks being screwed up by people!”

The 85-minute film, penned by Alan Keane with graphic author Kirsten Shiel, is primarily in 3D with some 2D elements. Boorman serves as executive producer and story consultant. The project boasts a star-studded voice cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Sir Patrick Stewart, Richard E. Grant, Brendan Gleeson, and Vanessa Kirby. 

Budgeted at €6.8 million, the film is currently at the treatment stage with the screenplay in progress. It is seeking co-producers, investors, and international sales partners. Announced in October 2024, it has already generated industry interest and has backing from Screen Ireland, potentially benefiting from Ireland’s 40% tax credit.

The Dreamed Journey of Alpha Two – Susanne Seidel (France)

Alpha Two, a young girl born on the same day as her father, Alpha, narrates her own story. After her mother’s passing, she lives with her journalist father, listening to his radio broadcasts and playing football together. When soldiers attack his radio station, Alpha is forced to flee, promising to find her again. Alone but resilient, Alpha Two draws on her mother’s heritage as a “flying fish,” helping her father on his perilous journey to Europe until they are finally reunited.

Based on the true experiences of Guinean journalist Alpha Kaba, who was enslaved for two years in Libya and Algeria, the story is authored by Kaba himself and Christophe Erbes. Erbes also serves as associate producer via Godo Films alongside Patrice Nezan of France’s Les Contes Modernes. The screenplay is penned by Adama Grévoz.

The project aims to raise awareness about modern slavery and encourage acceptance and solidarity among young audiences (6-10 years old and their families). Seidel, known for Sirocco, Make It Soul, Tante Hilda!, and Fritzi, was deeply moved by Kaba’s story. “When I met Kaba and his daughter, I was captivated. Migration stories are extraordinary and universal,” she said, referring also to her grandmother’s experience, originally from the Sudeti, Germany’s Bohemian region, who was displaced after WWII.

The 75-minute “2D animation with some 3D elements” feature is budgeted at €4.5 million. Animatics are available, with development running through 2025 and production slated for 2026. A world premiere is planned for 2027. The project has received development funding from Creative Europe – MEDIA, Procirep, and several French regional funds. It is currently seeking additional partners, including international sales agents and distributors.

Born in the Jungle – Edmunds Jansons (Latvia/Poland/Czech Republic)

Now in production, this coming-of-age adventure is produced by Atom Art (Latvia) in collaboration with Poland’s Letko and the Czech Republic’s Hausboot. Atom Art, based in Riga, is known for arthouse shorts and author-driven children’s films.

The story follows nine-year-old Elizabeth, who spends her summer with her family in the rainforest, living among the Pemón tribe. When an accident forces her mother to fly her father to a hospital, Elizabeth must take care of her three-year-old brother Leo. Distracted by her sketchbook, she loses sight of him—only to discover he has wandered into the jungle. Now, she must embark on a daring journey to rescue both her brother and a mystical creature, returning it to the legendary Tepui Mountain before her parents return.

Core themes include “sibling relationships, responsibility, and environmental consciousness.” The screenplay is by Lote Eglīte and Liga Gaisa, with Elina Braslina attached as the graphic author and Krzysztof A. Janczak composing the score.

Sales agent Dandeloo has already secured deals in France, Spain, and Sweden. The project is aimed at children aged 5-8 and their families.

The Twilight World – Werner Herzog (Germany/France)

Produced by Germany’s PSYOP (with offices in Berlin, Stuttgart, New York, Los Angeles, Mexico City), in collaboration with French studio Sun Creature (Flee [+see also:
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interview: Jonas Poher Rasmussen
film profile], Julian, Tyler Gross), this marks Herzog’s first animated feature. The project is based on the veteran filmmaker’s bestselling novel, The Twilight World, (one of the best 2022 books according to The New Yorker) about Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese intelligence officer who continued fighting WWII in the Philippines for nearly 30 years after the war had ended, until he surrendered in 1974.

Blending drama with dreamlike sequences, the film explores themes of survival, the nature of reality, and the illusion of time. Herzog described it as a “fever dream” rather than a strictly factual retelling, focusing on the essence of Onoda’s psychological state. Herzog himself will narrate the film, as revealed in a video message.

Currently in development, the third draft of the script has been completed. The project has a budget of €7.8 million and is seeking international pre-sales, private equity, broadcasters, financiers, distributors, key talent, and a French co-director. Production is slated to commence in 2026.