“`html
Belgian animation studio Fabrique Fantastique is making its mark at TIFF Market with “Juul,” a distinctive young adult animated feature that represents a notable departure for Studio 100 Film. The independent sales agency, known primarily for family-oriented content, has expanded its catalogue by acquiring distribution rights to this emotionally resonant drama set in the 1950s.
The film tells the story of 17-year-old circus acrobat Juul, whose life takes a tragic turn following a devastating accident that leaves her in a coma. Her desperate father, a magician facing financial hardship, makes a morally ambiguous decision to present his unconscious daughter as a “living puppet” to save their failing circus. Though trapped within her own body, Juul remains conscious and angry, gradually undergoing a supernatural transformation as her flesh turns to porcelain, embodying her silent resistance and struggle for autonomy.
Director and producer Tom Van Gestel, who also leads Fabrique Fantastique as CEO, collaborated with art director Liesbet van Loon to bring this unique vision to life. The team selected 3D animation techniques to authentically convey the story’s central physical transformation and psychological descent. Complementing the visual artistry, Grammy Award-winning ensemble Snarky Puppy crafted the film’s score to mirror the spiraling, carousel-like movements that define both the animation and narrative.
Currently in post-production with completion anticipated by late 2026, “Juul” represents a significant creative undertaking for the studio, blending magical realism with themes of empowerment and identity reclamation.
“`
Originally reported by Variety →
About the Author
