Charades and Diaphana to Distribute "The Little Run," animated follow-up to "Shooom's Odyssey"
"The Little Run" (La Petite Cavale), the highly anticipated animated film from creators Julien Bisaro and Claire Paoletti, is set to captivate audiences worldwide. Following the success of their previous work, "Shooom's Odyssey," this new feature has secured robust distribution partnerships, indicating strong industry confidence in its potential.
Animated Feature 'The Little Run' Secures Major Distribution Deals and Pre-Sales
On June 12, 2026, it was announced that the upcoming animated film, "The Little Run," a creation by Julien Bisaro and Claire Paoletti, has finalized significant distribution agreements. Charades, a prominent sales company known for introducing fresh voices to the global stage, will manage the international distribution of the film. Simultaneously, Diaphana Distribution, a key player in French cinema with an impressive release portfolio, is slated to bring "The Little Run" to theaters across France.
The film, now officially in pre-production, has already achieved considerable success with pre-sales. French broadcasters Canal+, Ciné+, and France 3 Cinéma have all committed to the project, as has the German public service broadcaster ZDF. This widespread interest underscores the film's broad appeal and commercial viability. The creative duo's previous project, "Shooom's Odyssey," which won Annecy's Cristal Award in 2020 and an Annie for outstanding production design, has clearly paved the way for this new endeavor.
"The Little Run" introduces audiences to Cookie, an endearing blue penguin with an unusual dream: to become a father. However, Cookie faces the challenge of not being able to lay an egg himself. His journey takes an unexpected turn when a volcanic eruption places a mysterious echidna egg in his path, leading him to question if this could be the family he has longed for. The film is specifically designed for family audiences, targeting children aged five and up. Produced by Bisaro and Paoletti's boutique studio, Picolo Pictures, the animation pipeline is currently being established with partner studios, alongside a Luxembourg co-production with Doghouse Films.
Claire Paoletti expressed her excitement, stating, "It's amazing to see the movie we dreamed up with Julien come to life right before our eyes. I can't wait to share this story - which is especially close to our hearts - with a large audience thanks to the partners and exceptional artists who came together for the film." Julien Bisaro highlighted the film's unique narrative approach, noting that both Cookie and the echidna communicate without dialogue. He explained that their storytelling draws inspiration from silent cinema, enabling them to develop a Chaplin-esque situational comedy that transcends language barriers. Bisaro also detailed the visual style, describing it as 2D animation without outlines, akin to painting with light and shadow, with moments of increased realism and desaturated tones to match the scene's emotional context. At its core, the film aims to explore the profound theme of family bonds, offering a tender and visually rich adventure into inter-species adoption, attachment, and chosen family, all within an immersive natural setting and a distinctive painterly aesthetic.
This venture marks Bisaro and Paoletti's feature film directorial debut, building on the critical acclaim and global reach of "Shooom's Odyssey." The film promises a heartwarming and visually stunning experience that delves into the essence of what constitutes a family, regardless of conventional norms.
The announcement of "The Little Run" receiving significant international distribution and pre-sales is a testament to the growing global appetite for high-quality animated content that combines compelling storytelling with innovative visual artistry. The success of "Shooom's Odyssey" clearly demonstrated that audiences are eager for unique narratives, especially those that explore universal themes such as family, belonging, and identity. For creators Julien Bisaro and Claire Paoletti, this new project represents an exciting evolution, allowing them to expand their distinct artistic vision on a larger canvas. The film's emphasis on non-verbal communication and a visually rich 2D aesthetic not only offers a fresh take on animated storytelling but also allows for a more immersive and imaginative experience for viewers of all ages. This development suggests a promising future for independent animation studios and director-driven projects in the competitive global film market.
