Maya Give Me a Title (2024)

Director: Michel Gondry Cast: Maya Gondry, Pierre Niney, Miriam Matejovsky Rating: PG Because Maya’s dad is always traveling, they keep in touch via nightly calls, creating stories in which she is the star. Because Maya’s dad is also renowned filmmaker Michel Gondry (known for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), we get these stories in all their inventive, stop-motion glory. Her assignment is simple: all Maya has to do is provide a concept and a title, and her Papa will do the rest. The result is a collection of inventive and enchanting animated fantasies that remind us of the great distances our imaginations can take us. Paper cutouts bring their shared stories to life in a series of vignettes, many with a wink and nod to the fourth wall or a behind-the-scenes look at the stop-motion process. Clearly crafted with great care, Maya, Give Me a Title serves as a love letter to animation, filmmaking, parenting, and storytelling. The film won the Generation Kplus Crystal Bear for Best Film at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival and was nominated for the best animated film at the Lumiere Awards. French actor Pierre Niney lends his voice to the film. Niney, who won the prestigious César Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Yves Saint Laurent in Yves Saint Laurent (2014), further showcased his acting versatility in 2024 with his role as Edmond Dantès in The Count of Monte Cristo. 63mins In French with English subtitles France, 2024 Adventure, Animated, Comedy