International producers Xavier Yamamoto and Simon Barrionuevo are joining Saraswathi’s four-year project Indian animation Neelu through a Spain-France-Belgium co-production agreement. The story follows a young tribal woman confronting a foeticide scheme after moving to the city, blending socially conscious storytelling with animation.
European Collaboration for Indian Animation Neelu
The co-production unites European producers to support this India-set animated feature, tackling social issues such as female foeticide and moral dilemmas. Saraswathi, professionally known as Vani, pitched the project at Film Bazaar 2023 and has extensive experience in animation and VFX, contributing to films like The Hunger Games and Snow White and the Huntsman.
Funding and Production Highlights
Her company, Dancing Atoms, raised $225,000 in angel investment from Los Angeles to help fund the feature. The film follows a 19-year-old tribal girl navigating a critical choice between protecting her friend or preserving her marriage when her husband is bribed to cover up illegal gender-based pregnancy.
Significance and Global Interest
The project underscores Saraswathi’s commitment to socially conscious storytelling and highlights growing European interest in Indian animation content. This international collaboration marks a milestone for Indian animation Neelu, bringing socially relevant stories to a global audience.
Source: Variety
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