The filmmakers of the animated short “Bear Story,” which won Chile its first Oscar, have reteamed on a feature debut, “Brave Cat.”
Directed by Gabriel Osorio and produced by Pato Escala, the project has been boarded by Paris-based company Indie Sales in the run up to the AFM. Osorio and Escala are making the new film with their Chilean studio Punk Reboot which recently collaborated with Lucas films on the “Star Wars: Visions” episode “In the Stars.”
Drawing once again from Chilean’s history, “Brave Cat” tells the story of Kona, a teenage forest cat, who decides to face her fears and search for her missing mother, who was kidnapped by dogs working for humans. Along with Colin, an abandoned guard dog puppy, and Bernard, a runaway old circus bear, she embarks on a cross-country search for their lost families. Despite their differences, Kona, Colin and Bernard stick together on a wild journey that changes them forever.
Indie Sales has unveiled a teaser of “Brave Cat” blending a 3D CGI aesthetic with stop-motion.
Osorio said “ ”Bear Story” was “inspired by my grandfather’s stories from exile after Chile’s military coup,” while “‘Brave Cat’ draws from those who stayed — families still searching for their loved ones. It’s the kind of story that defines us as studio: a heartfelt adventure, made with great care and skill, but above all, a message of hope in times of division.” As a director, he said he felt “compelled to imagine a world where forgiveness shows us a new path.”
Eleanor Coleman, Indie Sales’ head of animation, described the project as an “ambitious enchanting animated feature which embodies the perfect balance between art and commerce, excellent commercial appeal and exceptional creativity.”
“‘Brave Cat’ is a true adventure film for all ages whose message of the power of friendship and forgiveness will surely captivate family audiences worldwide,” Coleman continued.
“Bear Story” is supported by the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage of Chile and Universidad de las Américas (UDLA)
Indie Sales has built a solid reputation in championing animation since selling the Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated feature “My Life as a Zucchini” around the world. The company followed up with the commercial hit “Richard the Stork 2” and more recently Michel Gondry’s Berlinale Crystal Bear “Maya, Give Me A Title,” as well as the silent animated film “Dandelion’s Odyssey” which played at Cannes.
Indie Sales AFM line-up includes Marc Fitoussi’s “All About Corinne” starring Isabelle Huppert and Sandrine Kiberlain, among other projects.
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