Dogs with a Human Twist: A Bold New Animated Film in the Works

A unique animated film is on the horizon, tackling big questions about life, love, and what makes us human. The project, based on a prize-winning novel, is set to challenge the typical family-friendly animation we're used to. The story follows a pack of dogs who gain human-like intelligence and language after a bet between two Greek gods. This isn't your average pet adventure. The dogs grapple with complex emotions, power struggles, and the fear of death. At the center is Majnoun, a poodle whose journey reveals that life's meaning isn't just about being smart, but also about love and knowing our time is limited. The film is being developed by Copperheart Entertainment, a Canadian company known for family films. This project marks a shift for them, aiming at older audiences with a more serious and thought-provoking story.The director, Chris Landreth, is known for his unique animation style called "psychorealism. " He plans to use this approach to show the dogs' inner feelings and thoughts visually. Landreth has won an Oscar for his short films and is directing his first feature-length movie with this project. The film's producers include Steven Hoban, who co-wrote Copperheart's previous hit, Night of the Zoopocalypse. They're looking for partners to help finance the film and believe it has the potential to connect with audiences worldwide. The project will be launched at the European Film Market's new animation section in Berlin. This event, part of the Berlinale film festival, offers a platform for animation projects to showcase their ideas and connect with industry professionals.