Full Breakdown
Gebeka Films Secures French Distribution for Cartoon Saloon’s “Julián” Ahead of Annecy Premiere
6/11/2026, 8:45:31 PM
Core Event: French Distribution Rights Secured for “Julián”
Gebeka Films announced it has acquired French theatrical and ancillary rights to “Julián,” an animated feature directed by Oscar-nominated Irish filmmaker Louise Bagnall. The agreement was sealed ahead of the film’s world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival later this month.
Background & Context
“Julián” adapts Jessica Love’s 2014 bestselling children’s book *Julián Is a Mermaid*. The narrative follows seven-year-old Julián as he discovers his Caribbean heritage, a lively Brooklyn community, and his identity as a mermaid. The film is the feature-directorial debut of Bagnall, whose short *Late Afternoon* earned an Academy Award nomination in 2019. Production is led by Cartoon Saloon—five-time Academy Award-nominated studio behind *The Secret of Kells*, *Song of the Sea*, *Wolfwalkers* and *The Breadwinner*—in partnership with Melusine Studio, Aircraft Pictures and Sun Creature. Academy Award winner Zoe Saldaña serves as executive producer. International sales are handled by New Europe Film Sales, which launched the project at the Cannes Film Festival.
Key Figures & Groups
- Louise Bagnall – Irish director, feature debut with “Julián.”
- Cartoon Saloon – Irish animation studio, five Academy Award nominations.
- Jessica Love – Author of the source book.
- Zoe Saldaña – Executive producer, Academy Award winner.
- New Europe Film Sales – Sales agent, led by CEO Jan Naszewski.
- Gebeka Films – French distributor, represented by Vladimir Koch.
Data & Statistics
- Seven territories have pre-secured distribution deals: Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Poland and Norway.
- Cartoon Saloon holds five Academy Award nominations.
- Bagnall’s short *Late Afternoon* earned one Oscar nomination (2019).
- The source book was a 2014 bestseller.
Official Statements & Responses
New Europe Film Sales praised Gebeka’s track record in promoting intelligent children’s content in France, describing the partnership as strategically valuable. Gebeka Films highlighted the film’s creative freshness and outlined plans for school-screening programmes with accompanying activities.
Verbatim Quotes
> “We’re thrilled to partner with Gebeka on this title – their track record in promoting smart content for children in France is unbeatable. Julián is in good hands.” — Jan Naszewski, CEO, New Europe Film Sales
> “Julián is a very creative and refreshing animation feature film for the young audience. We are very happy to work on this title with Gebeka films for the release in France. Kids will love the film and we already have ideas for school screenings to introduce the film with many activities” — Vladimir Koch, Gebeka Films
Why It Matters
The French deal expands “Julián’s” European reach and positions the film for cultural impact within France’s children’s market. Gebeka’s plan to combine theatrical release with school-based screenings underscores an educational dimension that aligns with the story’s themes of heritage and identity. For Cartoon Saloon, the agreement reinforces its growing reputation for auteur-driven, globally resonant animation.
What’s Next
“Julián” will debut at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2026. Gebeka Films will announce French release dates and ancillary rollout plans in the coming weeks.
