COPPELIA
Family feature film | 2d/3d animation & live action & dance 82' | Audience: Family, 6+ | World Premiere Annecy Festival 2021 Written & directed by Jeff Tudor, Steven De Beul & Ben Tesseur A modern fairytale, told without words . . . When everyone in town falls under the spell of charismatic cosmetic surgeon Doctor Coppelius, feisty Swan must act to save her sweetheart Franz, before his heart is used to spark life into Coppelia - the "perfect" robot-woman the Doctor has created. Through Swan’s quest to uncover Coppelia's secret, the townspeople come to learn that in an increasingly image conscious culture – it’s never been more important to Be yourself! Innovative family feature COPPELIA combines enchanting animation, live action and dance in a fresh, modern retelling of the much-loved ballet. COPPELIA features a diverse international cast, a strong, Black heroine and a positive message for a young audience in the age of social media. |
Starring:
Michaela Mabinty DePrince as Swan Daniel Camargo as Franz Vito Mazzeo as Doctor Coppelius with Darcey Bussell, Erica Horwood, Igone de Jongh, Jan Kooijman, Irek Mukhamedov, Sasha Mukhamedov, Glynis Terborg and dancers of Dutch National Ballet Music: Maurizio Malagnini performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra Choreography: Ted Brandsen DOP: Tristan Oliver BSC In the press: "Young audiences should be particularly smitten with its Disney-esque charms...it’s impossible not to be caught up in the beautiful fantasy of it all." Nikki Baughan - Screen Daily Annecy Review "...one of the most original and ambitious cinematic experiences of the year." Yahoo Entertainment - The It List "a sense of colour and light and wonder... and it's funny”. "Beautifully danced..." "eye opening and uplifting..." BBC Radio Four - Front Row "Cleverly-conceived modern update of classic ballet" The Guardian “Michaela DePrince, its young star, is captivating, and Darcey Bussell has a dignified role as the town’s mayor. The film is aimed primarily at children, and many will enjoy it…” The Sunday Times “We have here a dance film which could hardly be more adventurous…you could almost call it a fairytale for the 21st century... The filmmakers are very adroit in blending the live dancers with the animated elements and the stylised sets... this is a bold venture and it offers much that will delight. It would be a pity to miss it.” Mansel Stimpson - Film Review "...extraordinary amalgam of dance, live action performers and animation." Jeremy C. Processing - Annecy Review "A feast for the eyes." Belinda van de Graaf - Trouw “If you want to see something unique in the cinema, a lovely summer film for young and old, Coppelia is a must-see.” Leo Bankersen - de FilmKrant "Emphatically inclusive modern fairytale about vanity, with the expressive DePrince as a fantastic leading lady.” VPRO Cinema "Blending animation and ballet to delicious effect..." Michael Fox - KQED "It’s not the classical 'Coppélia'... But it's a charmer." Jeffrey Gantz - The Boston Globe “...this film is a hybrid between animation and live action ballet, which makes it pretty unique. It also features no dialogue, so it’s kind of like a musical, but with no songs or spoken word…as the story progresses and the animation becomes more prevalent, it starts to feel like its own unique work of art. The film is certainly impressive visually.” Mike Spring - ComicWatch |
Broadcasts include: BBC Two Christmas 22 PBS Thanksgiving 21 Avrotros Christmas 23 MDR/Arte Theatrical releases: Germany: 3 March 22 UK & Ireland: 1 April 22 Netherlands: 6 July 22 Belgium: 27 July 22 Scandinavia: 12 August 22 Spain: January 23 Estonia N. America: Fall 21 Now available on major digital platforms, DVD & Blu-Ray Follow @thecoppeliafilm on Instagram for updates! |
Vito Mazzeo as Doctor Coppelius with animated Coppelia | Friends to the rescue
Michaela DePrince as Swan & Daniel Camargo as Franz | Darcey Bussell as the Mayor & Jan Kooijman as the Hairdresser
Glynis Terborg as Swan's Mother | Michaela DePrince and Irek Mukhamedov as the Baker
top: Michaela DePrince & Daniel Camargo Design: Erik Fokkens Photo: Tonnie van Gessel
Inspired by Ted Brandsen's production for Dutch National Ballet
Based on tales by E.T.A. Hoffmann
Producers: Submarine (NL) & 3 minutes West
Co-producers: MotionWorks (DE) & Lunanime (BE)
In coproduction with Avrotros, MDR/Arte
In association with BBC, PBS Great Performances
Sales: Urban Distribution Intl
Distribution:
UK Modern Films
Germany Square One Entertainment
Benelux Periscoop | Jeugdfilm
N. America Shout!
Scandinavia Njuta Films
Spain A Contra Corriente
Estonia EstinFilm
COPPELIA is supported by:
Michaela DePrince as Swan & Daniel Camargo as Franz | Darcey Bussell as the Mayor & Jan Kooijman as the Hairdresser
Glynis Terborg as Swan's Mother | Michaela DePrince and Irek Mukhamedov as the Baker
top: Michaela DePrince & Daniel Camargo Design: Erik Fokkens Photo: Tonnie van Gessel
Inspired by Ted Brandsen's production for Dutch National Ballet
Based on tales by E.T.A. Hoffmann
Producers: Submarine (NL) & 3 minutes West
Co-producers: MotionWorks (DE) & Lunanime (BE)
In coproduction with Avrotros, MDR/Arte
In association with BBC, PBS Great Performances
Sales: Urban Distribution Intl
Distribution:
UK Modern Films
Germany Square One Entertainment
Benelux Periscoop | Jeugdfilm
N. America Shout!
Scandinavia Njuta Films
Spain A Contra Corriente
Estonia EstinFilm
COPPELIA is supported by: