Netflix's Animated Drama 'In Waves' Opens the American French Film Festival

Animated Feature Opens Festival Celebrating 30 Years

Netflix's latest animated feature, In Waves, is set to open the American French Film Festival (TAFFF) on November 3rd, marking a significant moment in the festival's 30-year history. The film, directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen and adapted from AJ Dungo's graphic novel, made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, where it was the first animated feature to open Critics' Week. With a deeply personal story that resonates across cultures, In Waves brings together American storytelling with French animation craftsmanship.

The film's narrative centers around a shy teenage boy who finds love and purpose through the guidance of a girl who teaches him how to surf — and how to live. But before he can fully embrace life, she is taken by cancer. The emotional journey is brought to life with English-language voice work by Will Sharpe and Stephanie Hsu, and it's being presented in association with Netflix, which has been instrumental in bringing this visually stunning and emotionally rich project back to American audiences.

A Journey from California to France

The story of In Waves is a deeply personal one. AJ Dungo, a Californian surfer and self-taught artist, spent years crafting his graphic novel as a way to process the loss of his girlfriend. This intimate, autobiographical work found new life across the Atlantic, where French-Vietnamese director Phuong Mai Nguyen and Silex Films optioned it, assembled a French production team, and spent years translating Dungo's linework into a fully animated feature. Netflix's involvement in distributing the film to U.S. audiences has created a complete artistic circle — from California beaches to French animation studios and back home again.

"It is precisely this kind of journey — an American story reimagined through French artistry and craft, then returned to its origins — that sits at the heart of what TAFFF exists to celebrate," said Cécile Rap-Veber, president of the Franco-American Cultural Fund (originator of TAFFF) and CEO of French org SACEM.

The festival's 30th anniversary is a perfect backdrop for such a story, one that embodies the cultural exchange that makes the American French Film Festival unique. In 2024, TAFFF and the Writers Guild of America West held a workshop titled “Bringing Graphic Worlds to Life,” where Dungo and producer Priscilla Bertin explored how to bring graphic novel stories to screen — a journey that culminated in In Waves.

TAFFF's 30th Anniversary Lineup

The festival, which runs from November 3rd to 8th at the DGA complex in West Hollywood, is not only celebrating its rich history but also spotlighting contemporary storytelling. While In Waves serves as the opening film, the festival's lineup will be revealed on October 6th. However, one thing is clear: this year's event will also highlight television series competing for the TAFFF Audience Award and Jury Award.

The selected TV entries span a diverse range of genres and themes, from crime thrillers to character-driven dramas:

• Alice: Pioneer of Cinema – Explores the life of Alice Guy, a pioneering artist and entrepreneur.
• All Shapes of Us – Follows six teenagers navigating school life and eating disorders.
• Laura's Treatment – A story of a pharmacist who takes justice into her own hands after a tragic loss.
• Minimum Security – A comedic look at prison life, led by a nurturing director of a French prison.
• One Day We Will Make Love – A romantic journey of two strangers who find love over a weekend of shared experiences.

These series are supported by a wide array of distributors including Wild Bunch, France TV Distribution, Disney+, HBO Max, and StudioCanal — all contributing to the festival's mission of bridging French and American storytelling traditions.

Artistic Collaboration Across Borders

What makes In Waves particularly significant is its representation of artistic collaboration across borders. The film doesn't just tell a story — it tells the story of how stories can be reimagined, adapted, and shared globally. This theme resonates deeply with the American French Film Festival's core mission: to foster dialogue between cultures through cinema.

The creative journey from Dungo's original sketch to Nguyen's animated masterpiece involved years of careful work — a process that mirrors the dedication required in cross-cultural filmmaking. As Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos put it, "As the ultimate stateside destination for French films and series, it's an honor to have TAFFF's support, and I look forward to audiences around the world discovering this special film." The sentiment underscores how In Waves is not just a movie — it's a cultural touchpoint.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Animated Storytelling

The success of In Waves signals a promising future for animated films, especially those that tackle emotionally complex themes. As more studios invest in international storytelling and collaborative projects, the potential for films like this to find global audiences is immense.

With its powerful story, emotional depth, and artistic excellence, In Waves is a perfect example of how animation can be a medium for deep human connection — regardless of where the story originates. Whether it's a tale from California or Paris, it's stories like these that continue to remind us why we love film.

As we gear up for the American French Film Festival's 30th anniversary celebration, one thing is clear: the best stories transcend borders, and In Waves is leading the charge.