Bong Joon Ho Shares First Glimpse and Title of His Animated Film ‘Ally’ as Pathé Joins the Sales Team
Bong Joon Ho Announces Debut Animated Feature ‘Ally’
Oscar-winning writer-director Bong Joon Ho has announced the title of his eagerly anticipated debut animated feature, Ally. Along with the title reveal, the filmmaker released a first look at the film’s charming protagonist.
Ally follows a curious piglet squid who inhabits the depths of the South Pacific Ocean. Co-written by Bong and Jason Yu, the storyline centers on Ally’s dream of seeing the sun and starring in a wildlife documentary. However, her tranquil existence is disrupted when a mysterious aircraft sinks into the ocean, thrusting her into an extraordinary adventure to the surface, accompanied by a quirky ensemble of companions.
Inspired by real marine life, the film delves into themes of friendship and courage, highlighting the transformative interactions between humans and aquatic creatures.
In related news, French studio Pathé has joined the project as a financier, distributor, and sales agent. Financing and distribution will also be managed by CJ ENM, Penture Invest, and Pathé, with Barunson C&C overseeing production. Barunson Entertainment CEO Seo Woo-sik is producing the film, marking his third collaboration with Bong following Mother and Okja.
Ally is slated for completion in the first half of 2027, with a worldwide theatrical release planned for the same year. Pathé will oversee distribution in France, Benelux, Switzerland, and West Africa, while CJ ENM and Penture will handle distribution in South Korea, Vietnam, Turkey, and Indonesia. Pathé will manage international sales, except in Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, where CJ ENM and Penture will take charge.
In development since 2019, this film represents a significant milestone in Bong’s career, marking his initial venture into animation after successes with live-action films such as Parasite, Okja, and Snowpiercer.
The film collaborates with creative talents from 12 countries, featuring animation supervisor Jae Hyung Kim (Toy Story 4, Inside Out), supervising producer David Lipman (Shrek franchise), and production designer Marcin Jakubowski (Klaus). Renowned studio DNEG, recognized for works like Inception and Dune, will lend its expertise in high-end 3D animation.
First Look at Bong Joon Ho’s Ally
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