Stephanie Hsu and Will Sharpe Bring a California Surfing Romance to Cannes Critics’ Week
*In Waves*, inspired by Dungo’s real-life romance, explores the profound love between a skateboarder and a surfer, navigating the challenges posed by serious illness.
Sharpe voices AJ, a shy high school student who fills his days with drawing and skateboarding alongside friends. Hsu’s character, Kristen, is an exuberant surfer who finds joy and freedom in the ocean.
As curiosity transforms into a deep bond, Kristen introduces AJ to the art of surfing, sharing its rich historical ties to Hawaiian culture. Their relationship strengthens in the face of devastating challenges, prompting AJ to immortalize their journey through his drawings. This narrative reveals AJ’s initial attempt to ride a wave.
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The film’s French-language version features Lyna Khoudri, Rio Vega, Paul Kirscher, and Biran Ba among its voice cast. Both versions will be screened at Cannes Critics’ Week.
Vietnamese director Phuong Mai Nguyen is an alumna of France’s esteemed Les Gobelins animation school. She previously co-directed the 30-episode adaptation of Pénélope Bagieu’s comic *Brazen* for France Télévision.
Nguyen has contributed as a storyboard and graphic artist on various animated films and series and has produced several short films, including *Under the Same Roof*, which was shortlisted for the Academy Awards in 2016. *In Waves* marks her debut feature film.
The feature is produced by Paris-based Silex Films in collaboration with Anonymous Content, France 3 Cinéma, and Panique! Sales are managed by Charades.
