France’s Autour de Minuit and Portugal’s Spamflix have partnered on the Brazilian animated feature ‘The March of the Sunflowers,’ set to enchant young audiences.
New Delhi, India Jul 7, 2026 ALN: Targeting young children, the first stop-motion feature ever produced in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais is inspired by the landscapes, folklore and traditional craftsmanship of its dry sertão backlands. This unique project, titled "The March of the Sunflowers," is not only a significant milestone for Brazilian animation but also a celebration of the rich cultural heritage that the sertão represents.
France’s Autour de Minuit, known for the Academy Award-winning animated short “Logorama,” and Spamflix, a rising force in Portuguese animation production and distribution, have joined forces on Brazilian filmmaker Erick Ricco’s “The March of the Sunflowers.” This collaboration is emblematic of a growing trend in the animation industry where international partnerships are increasingly sought to enhance creative storytelling and production quality. This project is one of the animation highlights at this week’s Bogotá Audiovisual Market (BAM), a prominent event that showcases innovative films and projects from Latin America and beyond.
The anticipation surrounding “The March of the Sunflowers” has been building since it garnered an enthusiastic industry fanbase at December’s Animation! In Ventana Sur, an important market for Latin American cinema. Now, it is recognized as one of BAM’s most anticipated animation projects. This joint production involves Ricco’s Tuba Studio and Ricco Filmes, both located in Belo Horizonte, the capital of Brazil’s southeastern state of Minas Gerais, along with producer Ivan Melo’s Cup Filmes in São Paulo. The collaboration between these companies is indicative of the burgeoning animation scene in Brazil, which has been gaining international attention for its creativity and storytelling capabilities.
In this animated feature, when the sun fails to rise after her family loses their only rooster, 9-year-old Marialice embarks on a journey with her loyal chick, Marques, following a march of sunflowers across Brazil’s magical backlands. This narrative not only serves as an adventure for young audiences but also introduces themes of resilience, courage, and the importance of nature. Along the way, Marialice encounters talking animals, living shadows, and mythical creatures, discovering the courage to bring daylight back to the world. This storyline is particularly compelling as it weaves together elements of Brazilian folklore with universal themes of friendship and bravery, making it relatable to children from various cultural backgrounds.
Aimed at children aged 6 to 9 and family audiences, the stop-motion animated fantasy adventure is currently in pre-production, with shooting scheduled to begin in 2027. The choice of stop-motion as the animation technique is noteworthy, as it requires meticulous craftsmanship and artistry, allowing for a tactile quality that can resonate deeply with viewers, especially children.
“‘The March of the Sunflowers’ will be the first stop-motion feature ever produced in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais,” said Melo. “It is also among the very few Brazilian animated features created specifically for young children. Inspired by the landscapes, folklore, and traditional craftsmanship of the sertão of Minas Gerais, the film introduces an authentic Brazilian heroine while celebrating one of Brazil’s richest yet least represented cultural regions.” This emphasis on local culture is vital in an era where globalized media often overshadows regional narratives, and it offers a platform for Brazilian stories to be told authentically.
Visually, the project draws inspiration from the legacy of Giramundo, Brazil’s legendary puppet theater company, through the work of art director Ulisses Tavares. This connection to traditional arts not only enriches the film's aesthetic but also pays homage to the cultural practices that have shaped Brazilian storytelling. The use of stop-motion animation allows for a unique visual style that can capture the intricate details of the sertão landscapes and the vibrant characters that inhabit them.
Cup Filmes is an independent production company focused on auteur cinema and animation with international appeal. Its productions include Marcelo Caetano’s acclaimed 2024 relationship drama “Baby,” which premiered at Cannes Critics’ Week, and the 2021 award-winning stop-motion feature “Bob Spit – We Do Not Like People,” directed by Cesar Cabral. The success of these projects demonstrates Cup Filmes' commitment to quality storytelling and innovative animation, positioning them as a key player in the Brazilian film industry.
For Nicolas Schmerkin, founder and CEO of Paris-based Autour de Minuit, “The March of the Sunflowers” represents an ideal international stop-motion co-production. “Autour de Minuit is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year,” said Schmerkin. “After several shorts and TV specials in stop motion, including the last five adventures from the ‘A Town Called Panic’ franchise, we are very pleased to join Cup Films and Spamflix for the co-production of our first feature film with this wonderful technique.” This statement underscores the importance of collaboration in the animation industry, where pooling resources and talents from different countries can lead to innovative and culturally rich projects.
“We fell in love with the story and visuals when Ivan Melo and Erick Ricco pitched the project at Ventana Sur last year. We hope to contribute by sending French talent to the animation sets in Brazil, while also bringing our expertise in CGI for crowd scenes and compositing,” he added. This exchange of talent not only enhances the production quality but also fosters cultural exchange, allowing artists from different backgrounds to learn from one another and create a more diverse body of work.
With Autour de Minuit, the project has gained a partner that is one of Europe’s leading animation production companies, internationally recognized for its innovative films, series, and hybrid productions, including the Goya Award-winning “Psychonauts, the Forgotten Children” and “Unicorn Wars.” Their involvement is likely to attract further attention to the project and may facilitate additional international partnerships, which can be crucial for the film's distribution and success.
“The March of the Sunflowers” is further supported by Lisbon-based Spamflix, a burgeoning and admired producer of original animated films and distributor of selected animation titles in Portugal. Spamflix's growing reputation in the animation sector highlights the increasing importance of regional players in the global animation market, as they bring unique perspectives and stories that resonate with local and international audiences alike.
Written by Rafael Assunção, “The March of the Sunflowers” marks the first feature film project from Ricco’s Tubz Studio and Ricco Filmes, which develop and produce original animated projects. The project is supported by the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil’s Ministry of Culture, Energisa, and Animaparque, part of the Polo Audiovisual in Minas Gerais’ Zona da Mata region. This backing from governmental and regional organizations indicates a strong commitment to promoting the arts and animation within Brazil, recognizing its potential to contribute to cultural tourism and education.
The implications of this project extend beyond entertainment; it represents a significant step towards diversifying the types of stories being told in animation and increasing representation of Brazilian culture in global media. As more projects like “The March of the Sunflowers” emerge, they can inspire a new generation of animators and storytellers, encouraging them to explore their cultural heritage and share it with the world. This film not only aims to entertain but also to educate young audiences about the importance of nature, community, and cultural identity, making it a timely and relevant addition to the animation landscape.
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