Annecy Residency: Psychological Horror, a Cangaceiro Western, and a Muddy Monster Movie

variety.com:

Ben Croll For the third year running, Annecy’s artistic residency program accompanied three selected projects on a six-month adventure, beginning with a three-month script workshop before moving to Annecy’s Papeteries Image Factory for a similar bout of tailored mentorships and visual experimentation.

At the end, the filmmakers launch their development titles at the MIFA market. “Often when filmmakers start a project, they are expected to advance too quickly, without the necessary time for reflection and experimentation,” said coordinator Géraldine Baché.  “They have to rush into production because time is money, so we wanted to give them that time, to offer three months to come and explore, to test things and find a kind of visual identity for their project.” These are the three projects from this year’s selection. “The Bird Kingdom” Set in a fantasy version of the Brazilian Sertão where men can transform into birds, this 2D young-adult targeting project follows a boy raised by outlaws, left for dead, and then welcomed into a roving theatre-troupe.

Director Wesley Rodrigues likens the project to “Princess Mononoke” moved to the arid northeastern Brazil landscape during the early 20th century, and inspired by both Cangaço myths and local ornithology.

Graphically, Rodrigues will build on methods he already explored in his acclaimed shorts, using a handcrafted 2D style with rich colors and vivid brushstrokes.