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Since clinching the top prize at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June, Arco has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about animated films of 2025. This captivating blend of a sci-fi epic and a heartfelt tale of connection between two children showcases a remarkable storytelling balance.

Set in a distant future, Arco follows the journey of a young boy who stumbles upon time travel technology. He finds himself transported to our near future, where he teams up with a new friend, Iris, to navigate the challenges of returning home.

This week, the film continues its global journey at the Toronto International Film Festival, with director Ugo Bienvenu and producer Natalie Portman in attendance. Marking Bienvenu’s feature debut, he has previously directed numerous shorts since 2009 and co-directed the animated series Ant-Man in 2017. Portman became involved through her production company, MountainA, which joined the project midway through production. Notably, this is MountainA’s first animated project since its inception in 2021.

In a recent conversation with Cartoon Brew, Bienvenu and Portman discussed the film’s origins, Portman’s role as a producer, and Bienvenu’s artistic influences.

• Bienvenu on Balancing Scale and Intimacy: “We understand bigger ideas when we recognize ourselves in them. I aimed for something intimate, but to reach everyone, precision is key. Starting from small details allows for a broader scope without oversimplifying.”
• Portman on Her Attraction to the Project: “Ugo’s vision and the unique beauty of the animation drew me in. The story offers a hopeful and imaginative perspective on the future, making it suitable for children. We were fortunate to join this journey early on, thanks to our mutual friend Jamil Shamasdin.”
• Portman’s Producer Role: “Sophie and I collaborated closely with Ugo and Félix de Givry on everything from financing to editing. Their team is incredible, and MountainA helped us maintain the film’s heart and balance throughout the process.”

Bienvenu on Developing the Film’s Aesthetic: “My style is a reflection of my experiences across various cultures, from Mexico to Japan. I draw inspiration from my life and love for Japanese animation, blending these influences unconsciously in my work.”

When asked about comparisons to Studio Ghibli, Bienvenu humbly stated, “Miyazaki is the best artist of all time. His ability to manage a diverse team and create something extraordinary is inspiring. I aspire to achieve that level of artistry.”

Portman on Emotional Complexity: “Children can handle emotionally challenging themes, as seen in classics like Bambi and The Lion King. My own kids were moved by Arco, which conveys a hopeful message about imagining a better future despite the scary world we live in.”

Bienvenu’s Trust in Young Audiences: “We must trust kids’ intelligence. They understand when they are being misled. It was crucial for me to convey that while we face challenges, we can find solutions if we believe in ourselves and take things seriously. Arco aims to inspire hope and energy in children, reminding them that anything is possible if they trust in themselves and the little things.”

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