Bibo Bergeron’s newest animated feature, A Monster in Paris, scooped the Best Feature Film Award at the Los Angeles Animation Festival (7-11 March). The fest called the film one of the highlights of its programme.
Part musical, part action, all comedy, A Monster in Paris is a fun animated feature written by director Bergeron and Stephane Kazandjian. The plot follows the excitable Raoul, the unconfident Emile and the courageous Lucille, along with their monkey friend, Charles, as they attempt to protect the monster from the police, all while exposing him to song and dance.
LA resident reviewer Haley Hughes wrote that ‘the film’s visuals are beautiful and interesting, aptly bringing to life the cobblestone streets and dimly lit theatres of a 1910 Paris. Composed by Mathieu Chedid, the music adds greatly to the tone and environment of the film.’ A Monster in Paris was also recently nominated for two Césars (Best Animation, Best Original Score), the most important film awards in France.
The LA Animation Festival took place at the Regent Showcase in Hollywood, and organised competitions in various categories, including Best Short, Best Feature, Best TV episode, Best Animated Music Video and the special category, Best Animation on the Edge.
Belgian partner in A Monster in Paris is Brussels-based studio Walking The Dog (The Triplets of Belleville, Brendan and the Secret of Kells),which has a number of promising new projects up its sleeve, including children’s mystery Picnic with Pie and Les Majorettes, short animator Benoït Feroumont’s first feature venture. The studio is also involved in international co-productions such as Pinocchio and The Congress.