Key Facts
nWave Studios' twelfth feature film, 'Yugly,' is set to have its world premiere at the Annecy Animation Festival, opening the non-competitive Annecy Presents section. The film has already secured distribution deals across Europe, West Asia, and Africa ahead of its premiere.
Details
Co-directed by Jérémie Degruson and Yanis Belaid, 'Yugly' is a Belgian-French co-production between nWave and Octopolis, produced by Matthieu Zeller. The screenplay was written by Greg Brooker, known for 'Stuart Little.' The film follows the journey of the world's ugliest mutt, Yugly, who dreams of competing in the Best in Dog Show while searching for a family.
Producer Matthieu Zeller highlighted the successful collaboration between Degruson, a nWave veteran, and Belaid, an emerging filmmaker. 'Matching those two directors from different generations was a bet for the studio, a bet that paid off handsomely,' Zeller said. 'This film is the perfect illustration of what nWave has been aiming at for a long time: cutting-edge CG animation matching global industry standards, along with a unique European way of telling stories with depth and heart.'
The directors emphasized their seamless partnership. 'We had a shared language right from the start,' Degruson noted. 'Not only could we use our pets as references, but we also had similar experiences and a common denominator.' Belaid added that the collaboration allowed them to hone dialogues and make each dog unique, while adopting a 'show don't tell' approach to elevate the film.
Impact
With a budget of €25 million ($28.7 million) and a team of 150 people, 'Yugly' represents nWave's ambition to deliver high-quality CG animation with European sensibilities. The film's wide sales across multiple territories indicate strong international interest. Rights remain available for key markets including the UK, Germany, Italy, North and Latin America, Australia/New Zealand, and parts of Asia.
Annecy's artistic director Marcel Jean praised the film for its heartfelt story and relatable characters. Degruson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to open Annecy Presents, stating, 'To me, animation is all about sharing values with both young audiences and adults alike. With 'Yugly,' we bring this benevolence and acceptance forward.'
What Readers Should Know
- 'Yugly' premieres at Annecy Animation Festival on June 21, 2026.
- The film is a dog comedy with a focus on acceptance and finding family.
- It showcases a European approach to CG animation, emphasizing story and character over spectacle.
- Distribution deals cover France, Benelux, Spain, Scandinavia, Baltics, and parts of Africa.
FAQ
What is 'Yugly' about?
'Yugly' is a heartwarming dog comedy about the ugliest mutt in the world who dreams of competing in the prestigious Best in Dog Show. Along his journey, he meets fellow canines and quirky humans, hoping to find a family.
Who directed 'Yugly'?
The film is co-directed by Jérémie Degruson ('Bigfoot Family', 'The Inseparables') and Yanis Belaid ('Les larmes de la Seine').
Which territories have acquired 'Yugly'?
Distribution deals have been secured in France (SND), Benelux (Independent Films), Spain (ACF), Scandinavia (Scanbox), the Baltics (Ad Astra), and several African territories. Rights are still available for the UK, Germany, Italy, North and Latin America, Australia/New Zealand, and parts of Asia.
What makes 'Yugly' unique in terms of animation?
The film blends cutting-edge CG animation with a European storytelling approach focused on depth and heart. The directors adopted a 'show don't tell' style, making characters more visual and less dialogue-driven.
Source: variety.com