César-Nominated Feature ‘Pachamama’ To Debut On Netflix
As part of its long list of animated acquisitions and original productions to be released in the near future, Netflix announced this morning that César Award-nominated hybrid feature Pachamama will debut on the platform in June.
Directed by Argentinean filmmaker Juan Antin and produced by Didier Brunner (The Triplets of Belleville, The Secret of Kells, Ernest and Celestine), the France/Luxembourg/Canada co-pro Pachamama is set in 16th century South America, more specifically the Andes Mountains, and uses iconography inspired by pre-Columbian cultures.
Ten-year-old Tepulpaï, a vivacious kid with aspirations of becoming a respected shaman, is at the center of the narrative. But as his community engages in a ceremonial offering to the great spirit of Pachamama, an Incan overload disrupts their sacred time and confiscates the town’s highly symbolic golden statue, which connects them to the Earth. Using this as an opportunity to prove himself, Tepulpaï embarks on a journey to recover the invaluable icon alongside his friend Naira and her pet llama. In their adventure, they will not only confront the Incas that oppress them, but the conquistadors freshly off the boats and hungry for gold.
In addition to its colorful and uniquely stylized cg animation, the film features a score by Pierre Hamon created using thousand-year old pre-Columbian instruments from the region where the film takes place. Director Antin was also behind writing an original song titled Somos la Nueva Tierra.
“Pachamama has been, for me, a very long journey, guided by a message that came like an echo from ancient times – a message of love, respect and gratitude to our cherished Earth,” said Antin. “Thanks to Netflix, I am thrilled to share this awe-inspiring story with a global audience.”
Pachamama had its world premiere last November in Hollywood at the Animation is Film Festival, and it’s scheduled to play in the opening spotlight at the 22nd annual New York International Children’s Film Festival on February 24.
The film is also currently nominated at the César Awards, France’s highest film honor, in the best animated film category alongside Alexandre Astier and Louis Clichy’s Asterix:The Secret of the Magic Potion and Michel Ocelot’s Dilili à Paris.
In addition to Didier Brunner, Damien Brunner (Folivari), Olivier de Bannes (O2B Films), Pierre Urbain (Doghouse Films), and Brice Garnier (Kaïbou Productions) served as producers with Blue Spirit Animation and Haut et Court as co-producers.
Bannes, Patricia Valeix, and Nathalie Hertzberg served as co-writers alongside Antin, with the participation of Christophe Poujol, Jean-Marc Pannetier, Christine Ponzevera, and Isabelle Blanchard.
Netflix has global distribution rights for Pachamama with the exception of France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Canada. SC Films International handled the worldwide sales.
