The filmmakers of Chile’s first Oscar-winning animated short, “Bear Story,” have reunited for their feature debut, “Brave Cat.”
The project, directed by Gabriel Osorio and produced by Pato Escala, was joined by Paris-based company Indie Sales for AFM. Osorio and Escala are producing the new film with Chilean studio Punk Robot, which recently collaborated with Lucas Films on the Star Wars: Visions episode “In the Stars.”
Once again inspired by Chilean history, “Brave Cat” tells the story of Kona, a teenage forest cat who decides to face her fears and find her missing mother, who has been kidnapped by dogs who work for humans. Along with Colin, an abandoned guard dog, and Bernard, an old circus bear who ran away, she embarks on a cross-country search to find her missing family. Despite their differences, Kona, Colin, and Bernard unite on a wild journey that changes them forever.
Indie Sales has released a teaser for “Brave Cat,” which combines 3D CGI aesthetics with stop-motion.
“‘Bear Story’ was inspired by the story of my grandfather who went into exile after the military coup in Chile,” Osorio said. “‘Brave Cat’ tells the story of those who remained, a family still searching for their loved ones.” This is the kind of story that defines us as a studio, a heartfelt adventure crafted with great care and skill, but above all a message of hope in a time of division. ” As a director, he said he felt he had to “imagine a world where forgiveness shows us a new path.”
Eleanor Coleman, Head of Animation at Indie Sales, described the project as “an ambitious and captivating piece of animation that embodies the perfect balance of art and commerce, great commercial appeal and exceptional creativity.”
“‘Brave Cat’ is a true adventure film for all ages, and its message of friendship and the power of forgiveness is sure to appeal to family audiences around the world,” Coleman continued.
“Brave Cat” is supported by the Chilean Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage and the University of the Americas (UDLA).
Indie Sales has built a strong reputation for championing animation since selling the Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated feature film My Life as a Zucchini around the world. The company has since released the commercial hit “Richard the Stork 2,” and more recently Michel Gondry’s Berlinale Crystal Bear “Maya, Give Me a Title” and the silent animated film “Dandelion’s Odyssey,” which was screened at Cannes.
Indie Sales AFM’s lineup includes director Marc Fitussi’s All About Corinne, starring Isabelle Huppert and Sandrine Kiberlin, as well as other projects.
