Animation sales specialist Gebeka International has acquired Xilam Films’ upcoming family film “Lucy Lost,” while French companies Le Pacte and Canal+ have secured domestic distribution rights in France and pay-TV rights.
The three new partners will work together to bring this coastal adventure story, co-written and directed by animation expert Olivier Clert and adapted from the 2014 novel “Listen to the Moon” by “War Horse” author Michael Morpurgo. Production is now underway at Xilam’s animation studio in France, ahead of a March 2026 delivery date.
After long-time collaborations with Mark Osborne (“The Little Prince,” “Escape from the Hat”) and Sergio Pablos (“Smallfoot,” “Klaus”), director Olivier Clert makes his feature film debut with this co-written with BAFTA winner Helen Blackman and produced by Marc du Pontavice and Lucy Bowles of Zillam.
Set in the Isles of Scilly off the Cornish coast, the film tells the story of a young girl named Lucy who is raised by a fishing clan who know she is not their descendant. However, Lucy has little memory of her past, and as a terrible war rages on the horizon, a chance encounter with a mysterious girl her own age helps Lucy piece together her life story and better understand her place in the world.
Lucy lost
Cartoon movie
“[Michael Morpurgo’s ‘Listen to the Moon’] “A captivating novel that weaves together themes of family, love and memory against a backdrop of vivid landscapes – which Olivier and Hélène have done a wonderful job of translating into our stunning adaptation,” said Xilam CEO Marc du Pontavice.
“As production begins on this moving and visually stunning story of resilience, we have the best travel companions at Gebeka International, Le Pacte and Canal+ to join us on this epic adventure. Lucy is a fragile but courageous character who will touch audiences – and we hope the film will spark a desire to connect with each other, consider each other’s differences with kindness, and have the courage to face adversity.”
“Lucy Lost is a stunning journey through time and space that explores universal themes such as the search for identity and friendship,” added Vincent Maraval, owner of Goodfellas, the sales company that manages Gebeka International in partnership with French media group Hildegarde. “We are extremely proud to be associated with this beautiful project, which we are certain will be deeply moving. The scale of Lucy’s adventure will undoubtedly appeal to international audiences, both children and adults alike.”
