Exciting Premiere for Industry Leaders: Death Does Not Exist

Today, cinephiles and industry professionals alike got their first glimpse of Death Does Not Exist (La Mort n’existe pas), the latest hand-drawn feature from renowned Canadian filmmaker Félix Dufour-Laperrière, known for his previous works like Archipelago, Ville Neuve, and Transatlantic. This animated drama is set to make its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, a celebrated independent segment of the Cannes Film Festival, and will also compete at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June.

A Compelling Narrative

The film centers on a political activist named Hélène, who, after a failed armed assault on affluent landowners at a lavish villa, retreats into the forest. Here, she encounters transformative experiences and significant upheavals that challenge the natural order. When one of her associates finds her, Hélène faces a critical decision: should she participate in the violent uprising, and how much is she willing to compromise her beliefs?

Insights from the Director

Dufour-Laperrière shared with Deadline, which debuted a new clip from the film: “It’s a narrative about radicality, filled with contradictions, aspirations, and dead ends. It emerges from profound anger and intense desires that ignite attempts to instigate change, only to confront the limitations of their actions and internal conflicts. The characters grapple with a stark, often irreconcilable dichotomy: the impossibility of violence versus the impossibility of maintaining the status quo.”

Industry Recognition and Production Details

Death Does Not Exist was showcased as a Work-in-Progress at the 2024 Annecy Festival, where Dufour-Laperrière previously earned a Jury Distinction for Archipelago in 2021. The film is produced by Nicolas & Felix Dufour-Laperrière for Embuscade Films, alongside Emmanuel-Alain Raynal and Pierre Baussaron for Miyu Productions.

Distribution Plans

The theatrical release will be handled by UFO Distribution in France and Maison 4:3 in Canada, with international rights managed by Best Friend Forever, based in Brussels.

Stay Tuned for More Insights

Don’t miss our upcoming interview with the acclaimed director in the next issue (No. 350) of Animation Magazine, hitting the stands next month.