In the shadow of Ireland’s medieval Kilkenny Castle, Cartoon Saloon has quietly built an animation empire that continues to expand its artistic boundaries. The acclaimed studio that brought us THE BREADWINNER, SONG OF THE SEA, and WOLFWALKERS has just reached another milestone with its latest project Julián earning a coveted spot at the prestigious Cannes Annecy Animation Showcase this May.
The showcase, serving as an appetizer to June’s main course at the Annecy Animation Festival, has selected only five promising animated projects for its 2025 edition, with Cartoon Saloon’s latest jewel among them. This isn’t merely a screening opportunity but a crucial bridge connecting animation’s artistic ambitions with industry partners who can bring these visions to global audiences. On May 18th, as part of Cannes’ Animation Day, creative teams will pitch their projects to potential sales agents, distributors, and festival programmers—a pivotal moment in any film’s journey from concept to screen.
JULIAN, adapted from Jessica Love’s picture book “Julián Is a Mermaid,” follows a wide-eyed boy through a transformative summer with his Abuela in New York City. Under Louise Bagnall’s direction (known for her Oscar-nominated LATE AFTERNOON, this coming-of-age tale promises to blend whimsy and depth as it explores identity, family bonds, and self-expression. The narrative will take viewers from Brooklyn streets to ocean depths in an intergenerational story that examines heritage and gender expression through the colorful chaos of Abuela’s world and the stories she shares with her grandson.
This selection reinforces Cartoon Saloon’s position at the forefront of animation innovation. Since their international breakthrough with WOLFWALKERS and continuing through their Oscar-nominated works, the studio has consistently delivered visually stunning films that marry folklore elements with contemporary themes. Their distinctive hand-drawn animation style stands in defiant contrast to the computer-generated dominance of larger studios, proving that traditional techniques can still captivate modern audiences when paired with powerful storytelling.
The Cannes showcase highlights why animation remains one of cinema’s most exciting mediums, embracing diverse voices from emerging talents to seasoned auteurs. For Cartoon Saloon, Julián represents both a continuation of their artistic legacy and an evolution as they explore new narrative territories while maintaining the visual poetry that has become their signature. As the studio’s profile continues to rise on the international stage, this latest recognition suggests their most impactful work may still lie ahead.
