The Little Run (“La Petite Cavale”), directed by Julien Bisaro and co-written by Claire Paoletti, is set to be a major animated release, now supported by Charades and Diaphana Distribution.
Distribution and Release Plans
Charades, known for spotlighting new voices like Gints Zilbalodis, will handle international distribution. Diaphana Distribution, involved in notable releases such as Lukas Dhont’s “Coward” and Netflix’s “In Waves,” will manage the film’s release in French cinemas.
Production and Pre-Sales
The film, now entering pre-production, has secured pre-sales with major networks Canal+, Ciné+, and France 3 Cinéma in France, alongside ZDF in Germany. A new image from the film, shared exclusively with Variety, highlights its buzz-inducing appeal after winning three awards at Annecy’s MIFA Feature Film Pitches in 2023.
The Story and Artistic Approach
The film’s protagonist, Cookie, a young male blue penguin, offers comedic charm. Aspiring to be a father but unable to lay an egg, Cookie encounters a mysterious echidna egg. The film targets families with children aged 5 and up, and is produced at Picolo Pictures, with animation pipelines being set up in collaboration with Doghouse Films in Luxembourg.
“It’s amazing to see the movie we dreamed up with Julien come to life. I can’t wait to share this story,” Paoletti expressed.
Visual and Narrative Style
Bisaro and Paoletti’s film draws on silent cinema and Chaplin-esque comedy, utilizing pantomime and situational humor without dialogue. The 2D animation, described as “painting with light and shadow,” varies from painterly to realistic, depending on the scene's needs. The core theme explores family bonds through inter-species adoption, with Cookie's journey providing a rich emotional narrative.
“The graphic design is in 2D with no outline, painting with light and shadow,” Bisaro explained. The film aims to deliver a visually rich narrative, exploring chosen family themes.
The film is a follow-up to “Shooom’s Odyssey,” featuring the adventurous chick Shooom. The previous project earned accolades, including Annecy’s 2020 Cristal Award and an Annie Award.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/global/charades-diaphana-little-run-julien-bisaro-claire-paoletti-1236779497/
