The acclaimed Chilean filmmaking duo, director Gabriel Osorio and producer Pato Escala, known for their Oscar-winning animated short ‘Bear Story’, are once again collaborating on their highly anticipated feature debut, ‘Brave Cat’. This exciting new project has already garnered international attention, with Paris-based Indie Sales securing distribution rights and unveiling an exclusive teaser, sparking significant interest within the animation industry.

Chilean Filmmakers of Oscar-Winning ‘Bear Story’ Reteam on Feature Debut ‘Brave Cat’; Indie Sales Unveils Teaser (EXCLUSIVE)

From “Bear Story” to “Brave Cat”: A Legacy of Meaningful Animation

Gabriel Osorio and Pato Escala, through their Chilean studio Punkrobot, made history by winning Chile’s first Oscar for their animated short film, ‘Bear Story’. This poignant narrative, inspired by Osorio’s grandfather’s experiences of exile following Chile’s military coup, resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Their success established Punkrobot as a significant force in animation, a reputation further solidified by their recent collaboration with Lucasfilm on the “Star Wars: Visions” episode “In the Stars”. Now, they are channeling their distinctive storytelling approach into a full-length feature with ‘Brave Cat’.

Unveiling “Brave Cat”: Story and Vision

‘Brave Cat’ once again draws inspiration from Chilean history and themes, focusing on those who remained and searched for loved ones during tumultuous times. The film introduces Kona, a courageous teenage forest cat who embarks on a perilous journey to find her missing mother, who was abducted by dogs working for humans. Along her quest, Kona forms an unlikely alliance with Colin, an abandoned guard dog puppy, and Bernard, an elderly runaway circus bear. Despite their inherent differences, the trio unites in a cross-country search for their lost families, undertaking an adventure that profoundly transforms them all.

The visual style of ‘Brave Cat’ promises to be a unique blend, incorporating both 3D CGI aesthetics and stop-motion animation, as showcased in the recently unveiled teaser. Director Gabriel Osorio shared that while ‘Bear Story’ reflected on exile, ‘Brave Cat’ explores the resilience of those who stayed and continued their search. He describes the film as a “heartfelt adventure, made with great care and skill, but above all, a message of hope in times of division,” expressing his desire to “imagine a world where forgiveness shows us a new path”.

Indie Sales Boards “Brave Cat”

The project has attracted significant international backing, with Paris-based Indie Sales taking on its distribution. Indie Sales has a strong track record in championing quality animation, having successfully sold Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated features such as “My Life as a Zucchini” globally. Eleanor Coleman, head of animation at Indie Sales, lauded ‘Brave Cat’ as an “ambitious enchanting animated feature which embodies the perfect balance between art and commerce, excellent commercial appeal and exceptional creativity”. She further highlighted its appeal as “a true adventure film for all ages whose message of the power of friendship and forgiveness will surely captivate family audiences worldwide”. The film also benefits from institutional support from the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage of Chile, and Universidad de las Américas (UDLA).

Conclusion

The reteaming of the Oscar-winning Chilean filmmakers Gabriel Osorio and Pato Escala on ‘Brave Cat’ marks an exciting chapter in animated storytelling. Building on the artistic and thematic depth of ‘Bear Story’, their feature debut promises a compelling adventure with a message of hope and reconciliation. With the backing of Indie Sales and a distinctive animation style, ‘Brave Cat’ is poised to capture the imaginations of audiences globally, reinforcing the impact of Chilean animation on the international stage.