Festivals - Into the Wonderwoods to Enchant Audiences at FIFEM Montreal International Children’s Film Festival

By Mulder, 25 february 2025

Shout! Studios’ latest animated feature, Into the Wonderwoods (Angelo Dans La Forêt Mystérieuse), is set to captivate audiences at the FIFEM, Montreal International Children’s Film Festival. The film, directed by acclaimed filmmakers Vincent Paronnaud and Alexis Ducord, will be screened on March 4 and March 7 at Cinéma Beaubien in Montreal. This highly anticipated film blends adventure, fantasy, and stunning animation to bring an enchanting story to life.

Vincent Paronnaud, known for his Cannes Jury Prize-winning and Oscar-nominated masterpiece Persepolis, teams up with Alexis Ducord, the director behind the César Award-nominated Zombillenium. The duo’s expertise in animation and storytelling promises a visually breathtaking and emotionally engaging experience. Into the Wonderwoods is based on a comic book by Paronnaud, who, under his artistic pseudonym Winshluss, has made a name for himself in both the film and graphic novel industries. With a career spanning award-winning animated features and celebrated comics, Paronnaud’s unique artistic style and storytelling sensibilities shape Into the Wonderwoods into more than just a children's film—it is an adventure that resonates with audiences of all ages. Ducord, who has demonstrated a deep understanding of animated storytelling, brings his signature style to the film, creating a world that feels simultaneously magical and immersive.

The story follows Angelo, a young boy with big dreams of becoming an explorer and zoologist. During a road trip with his family to visit his beloved grandmother, Angelo's distracted parents inadvertently leave him behind at a rest stop. Undeterred, he embarks on a daring journey through a vast and mysterious forest in search of his family. As Angelo ventures deeper into the woods, he encounters a hidden world filled with strange and fantastical creatures—some friendly, others less so. His adventure forces him to face unexpected challenges, pushing him to rely on his wits, courage, and curiosity. The film weaves together elements of classic fairy tales and modern adventure storytelling, immersing viewers in a rich and dreamlike universe. This theme of self-reliance and discovery resonates strongly, particularly with younger audiences, who will find inspiration in Angelo’s resilience and determination. The film’s ability to blend heartwarming moments with exhilarating suspense ensures that it appeals not only to children but also to adults who appreciate sophisticated and beautifully crafted animation.

Before arriving at FIFEM, Into the Wonderwoods has already made waves at major international film festivals. The film was an official selection at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it drew praise for its innovative animation style and compelling storytelling. It also competed at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, one of the most prestigious events dedicated to animated cinema, where it was met with great enthusiasm from both audiences and critics. With its upcoming screening at FIFEM, Into the Wonderwoods continues its journey through the festival circuit, reaching new audiences and gaining further recognition in the world of animation. The Montreal International Children’s Film Festival, known for showcasing high-quality films that inspire and entertain young viewers, provides the perfect platform for the film’s Canadian festival debut.

The film boasts an impressive voice cast, featuring renowned actors such as Yolande Moreau, Philippe Katerine, José Garcia, and Marie Nonnenmacher. Their performances bring depth and personality to the whimsical characters that Angelo encounters on his journey. The rich and expressive voice work enhances the film’s immersive atmosphere, ensuring that each character feels distinct and memorable. The musical score, composed by Olivier Bernet, adds another layer of magic to the film. Bernet, who has collaborated with Paronnaud on previous projects, crafts a soundtrack that complements the film’s tone, blending enchanting melodies with moments of suspense and wonder. Edited by Julie Salon, Into the Wonderwoods is a seamless fusion of breathtaking visuals, captivating music, and engaging storytelling.

A film of this caliber requires the expertise of experienced production studios, and Into the Wonderwoods is backed by some of the most respected names in animation. The film is a co-production between Je Suis Bien Content (Mars Express, Persepolis), Gao Shan Pictures (Le Petit Nicolas, I Lost My Body), and Zeilt Productions (Mr Hublot, Barababor). These studios have a track record of delivering high-quality animated films that push artistic boundaries while remaining emotionally resonant. Distributed by Le Pacte in France and Shout! Studios in the United States, Into the Wonderwoods is set for a theatrical release in France on October 24, 2025. The film’s release marks another milestone in the careers of its talented creators and a significant contribution to the world of animated cinema.

As Into the Wonderwoods prepares to make its mark at FIFEM, it stands as a testament to the power of animation to tell meaningful and visually stunning stories. The film’s mix of adventure, humor, and heartfelt moments makes it a must-see for audiences of all ages. With screenings set for March 4 and March 7 at Cinéma Beaubien, Montreal audiences have the unique opportunity to experience the magic of Into the Wonderwoods before its wider release. The film is sure to leave a lasting impression, transporting viewers into a world of wonder, imagination, and adventure.

FIFEM Montreal international children’s film festival
Screening Dates : March 4 (10:30) and March 7 (10:30)
Where : Cinéma Beaubien, 2396, rue Beaubien Est Montréal (QC), H2G 1N2.

Synopsis
Angelo dreams of becoming an explorer and a zoologist. When he hits the road with his family to visit his beloved granny, his distracted parents leave him behind at a rest stop. Left to his own devices, Angelo decides to cut through the forest in search of his family. He enters a dark and mysterious world inhabited by strange creatures, some friendlier than others.

Into the wonderwoods (Angelo Dans La Foret Mystérieuse)
Directed by Vincent Paronnaud, Alexis Ducord
Produced by
Written by Vincent Paronnaud
Starring Yolande Moreau, Philippe Katerine, José Garcia, Marie Nonnenmacher, Emmanuel Garijo, Antoine Tomé, Augustin Jacob, Boris Rehlinger, Dario Hardouin-Spurio, Benjamin Carlier, Prune Bozo, Raphaël Lamarque, Stephan Kalb, Winshluss
Music by Olivier Bernet
Edited by Julie Salon
Production companies : Je Suis Bien Content, Gaoshan Pictures
Distributed by Le Pacte (France), Shout! Studios (United States)
Release date : October 24, 2025 (France)
Running time : 81 minutes