Directed by Claude Barras, My Life as a Zucchini is a stop-motion import from Switzerland. The film first arrived on the scene in the Directors Fortnight sidebar of the 2016 Cannes Film Festival and has quietly built on buzz not just because of its animation ingenuity but also the mature themes that ground the film. An English-dub is hitting U.S. theaters next months – featuring a cast that includes Will Forte (Nebraska), Ellen Page (Freeheld), Nick Offerman (The Kings of Summer) and Amy Sedaris (Chef) – and will make its premiere at the continuing Sundance Film Festival. Specialty animation outlet GKIDS has released a new trailer.
My Life as a Zucchini tells the story of a 9-year old boy named Courgette (and nicknamed “Zucchini”), a boy with an unfortunate background. Following the death of his mother, he is placed in a foster home and faced with numerous and emotionally complicated challenges. With the help of a budding friendship with a police officer, however, Courgette is allowed an opportunity to open himself up to both friendship and family. The film is based on the novel by Gilles Paris.
In a somewhat remarkable feat, My Life as a Zucchini has an opportunity to earn Oscar nominations for both Best Foreign Language Film and Best Animated Feature, having qualified for both categories. Switzerland selected the film as their official 2016 selection and AMPAS shortlisted the movie last month. We shall find out early on Tuesday morning if the film makes the cut in either (or both) categories. The film recently received Golden Globe nomination for Best Animated Film.
In the meantime, check out the trailer for My Life as a Zucchini below. The film will open in limited release beginning on February 24th.
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