A Boat in the Garden

This film is part of our 13th European Children's Film Festival.

Group and school visits can also be booked for times outside of the general festival schedule! Contact: helen@kino.ee.

Jean-François Laguionie’s 2024 film "A Boat in the Garden" (Slocum et moi) is a magical and poetic animation that brings a unique story of unlikely friendship and exploration to the screen. Laguionie, known for his masterpiece "The Red Turtle" and previous works, continues his signature style in this film, combining rich visual imagination with deep emotional themes. "A Boat in the Garden" is visually stunning and emotionally moving, engaging both young and adult audiences, offering a profound reflection on loneliness, dreams, and the importance of human connection.

In 1950s France, on the tranquil banks of the Marne River, François, a dreamy child with a vivid imagination, sees his life change when his father decides to build a boat in the garden — an exact replica of Joshua Slocum’s vessel, the first navigator to sail solo around the world. While his father dreams of grand sea adventures and honoring Slocum’s legacy, François prefers his own fantasy-filled journeys, imagining greater and more wondrous voyages than reality can offer. "A Boat in the Garden" highlights the power of imagination and play to break boundaries and bring comfort in an otherwise lonely world.

"A Boat in the Garden" holds significant importance in the context of modern animation as it represents a handcrafted approach that contrasts with the predominantly digital animation style. Laguionie is one of the few filmmakers who keep the tradition of hand-drawn animation alive, offering viewers a unique visual and aesthetic experience. The film’s creative narrative and deep themes have received critical acclaim, and the film has already earned a César nomination.

Check out the festival schedule in the events section or at https://www.kino.ee/events/lastefilm24.