MVFF44 (Bronze/Silver)

In his feature debut, celebrated Italian illustrator Lorenzo Mattotti crafts a mesmerizing, visually stunning fairy tale about an epic clash between two worlds: those of bears and humans. Based on a classic 1945 Italian children’s book, the story inhabits a timeless mythic terrain, as the bear king Léonce leads his clan into the “valley of men” in search of his lost son. Thus begins an exciting, upbeat adventure—with snowy battles, giant monsters, an evil duke, a hapless magician, power and prejudice, surprising betrayals, and unexpected kindness. Bold, impressionistic animation brings it all to life: sculpted mountains, bristly forests, corrugated seas, chunky bears, and beanpole humans are rendered in brilliant, vivid blocks of color. Imbuing his tale with gentle lessons about goodness, judgment, and tolerance, Mattotti leaves us wishing for more time to linger in this lovely, bittersweet fantasy, and to appreciate the beauty in every frame. Age 7+