Award-Winning Animator Aurel Readies Culture-Clash Western ‘Desert,’ Offbeat Science Series ‘Animals in a Nutshell’ (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for the unconventional, I find myself utterly captivated by the upcoming projects of filmmaker and editorial cartoonist Aurel. The blend of Western and French history in “Desert” is a unique proposition that promises to be a visually stunning and intellectually engaging adventure. The reunion of the creative team behind “Josep” is a testament to their shared vision and artistic chemistry, making this project a must-watch for fans of their previous work.


Cartoonist and filmmaker Aurel, fresh off his César award for “Josep,” is planning to continue his journey with the animated Western titled “Desert.” This upcoming production will be set amidst the picturesque landscapes of France’s Cevennes mountain range.

Set in late 19th century France, “Desert” offers a blend of old-west “oater” tales and Indiana Jones-style adventures. The story follows a Mexico-born gunslinger on a quest, who, seeking out his family’s ancient homeland centuries after religious conflicts forced them to leave, finds himself defending a local tribe from a ruthless landowner and his cruel minions.

The filmmaker expresses a desire to merge realms that, under normal circumstances, would be unrelated,” or more casually, “The director wants to connect worlds that don’t usually intersect.

The upcoming project will bring back many members of the innovative team that won awards for “Josep” in 2020, including screenwriter Jean-Louis Milesi, producer Serge Lalou from Les Films d’Ici Méditerranée, and animation studios Les Fées Spéciales in Montpellier and Tchack in Lille. Aurel explains, “We’re like a family.

A significant portion of the family was present at this year’s Cartoon Forum in Toulouse, where Aurel and representatives from Les Films d’Ici showcased their short-format series titled “Animals in a Nutshell.

Drawing inspiration from the humorous and lighthearted approach of science journalist Nathaniel Herzberg’s zoology columns in Le Monde, where Aurel previously worked as an editorial cartoonist for two decades before his recent retirement, this educational series aims to delve into the wonders of nature in a fun and unconventional manner.

The short episodes, lasting about four minutes each, are vividly portrayed through the spirited narration of singer and actress Camélia Jordana (“Irresistible”). These episodes don’t follow a conventional format; they instead transition seamlessly between visual presentations, educational content, and pure humor.

Aurel remarks that Nathaniel’s voice is full of life and energy,” he said. “He has an exceptional ability to make complex scientific and zoological research entertaining and easy-to-understand, which is something we aim to preserve in our work. We strive to approach heavy subjects with a light touch, ensuring our work remains engaging without being overly formal.

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2024-09-20 14:16