Directed by Chiara Malta, making her debut in animation, and Sébastien Laudenbach (The Girl without hands), Chicken for Linda! has garnered widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Cristal for Best Animated Feature Film at Annecy 2023 and the César Award for Best Animated Film in 2024. The film is now nominee in the “Feature Film” category at Emile Awards 2024 for Best Writing, Best Soundtrack, Best Backgrounds and Character Design, Best Animation, and Best Of The Best.
This sweet and humorous film, suitable for the whole family, presents life in a small neighbourhood from a child’s point of view. Linda, 8 years old, lost her father at a young age and has a few memories of him. The only vivid recollection she has is a special dish he used to prepare for her: chicken with peppers. When her mother, Paulette, realises that she unfairly scolded Linda, she vows to do anything to make it up to her daugher, even attempting to cook the cherished dish despite her lack of culinary skills. However, the challenge intensifies as they navigate a general strike that complicates their search for a chicken…
One of the film’s most striking features is its unique visual style. Each character is depicted with a black outline and solid colors, such as yellow for Linda and orange for Paulette, creating an immediate and graceful way to express their individuality. The backgrounds, designed by artist Margaux Duseigneur, feature bright colors and stylized elements to evoke the setting rather than represent it in detail. To enhance the film’s naturalism, the dialogues were recorded in a manner similar to live-action films, with the actors working in an open space that allowed them to move freely and improvise within the written lines.
The film’s emotional depth is enriched by the tender character stories, exploring themes of loss, friendship, and rebirth. As Paulette and Linda embark on their journey, they attract a growing community around them, fostering a vibrant sense of togetherness. The soundtrack by Clément Ducol further immerses viewes into a sweet atmosphere, blending melancholy with hope.
In conclusion, Chicken for Linda! is a heartwarming and visually stunning animated film that celebrates life and the power of community in the face of grief. Its unique visual style, captivating storytelling, and emotional impact make it a must-see for audiences of all ages.
The movie is a coprodution between France and Italy, by Miyu Productions, Dolce Vita Films, Palosanto Films and France 3 Cinéma. It is distributed internationally by Gebeka Films and Charades, and will be released in Italy as Linda e il Pollo on 5 September by I Wonder Pictures.
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This article is dedicated to Carlo Parisi, who recently passed away, leaving behind many cherished memories for his grieving family.
