Well-known Indie animation distributor GKIDS has acquired the North American rights of the Spanish animated feature Birdboy: The Forgotten Children, also known as Psychonauts internationally.
The 2D animated dystopian fantasy directed by Alberto Vázquez and Pedro Rivero is based on Vázquez’s graphic novel turned award-winning short film Birdboy.
The feature has been one of the favourites of the festival circuit in the gone-by year. Since debuting at the San Sebastian Film Festival in 2015, Birdboy/ Psychonauts has made the official selections for prestigious animation festivals including Annecy, Ottawa, HAFF and Anima Mundi, making its North American debut at the Nashville Film Festival.
The film opened in limited release in Spain earlier this year, and is due out in France this month.
Notably, Birdboy took the Best Animated Feature Award at this year’s Goyas, the Spanish Oscars where director Vázquez also took away the Best Animated Short prize for Decorado.
“From the first moment we screened the film we knew we had to be involved,” said Dave Jesteadt, President of GKIDS.
“With iconic characters and a storyline that explores universal themes of hope, despair, salvation, and loss with humor and grace, Birdboy pushes the boundaries of animated storytelling in exciting new directions,” he added.
The distribution house is planning a Fall 2017 release of both the original Spanish film and a new English-language verision.
The film is the story of teenager Dinky and her friends stranded on an island in a post-apocalyptic world. They hatch a dangerous plan to escape in the hope of finding a better life.
Meanwhile, pursued by the police and haunted by demon tormentors, her old friend Birdboy has shut himself off from the world. But unknown to anyone, he contains a secret inside him that could change the world forever.
The film was produced by Zircozine Animation and Basque Films in association with Abrakam Estudio and La Competencia.
