Maronas Fantastic Tale

Marona’s Fantastic Tale

L'extraordinaire voyage de Marona
Directed by Anca Damian
France | 2020 | Narrative
92 minutes | French & Romanian

This poetic and touching animated film from director Anca Damian follows an optimistic stray dog named Marona as she looks back on the human companions she has loved throughout her life. With dazzlingly colorful, sweeping designs produced in part by acclaimed artist Brecht Evens, “Marona’s Fantastic Tale” is a life-affirming tale told with the patient, boundless love of a dog — a film that reminds us that happiness is a small thing. The New York Times writes: “It’s often said that dogs are man’s best friend, but in the beautiful and original animated film ‘Marona’s Fantastic Tale,’ human beings are fickle companions. Marona has three real homes in her life, and past abandonments have taught her that heartbreak waits in every happiness. But fortunately, the film stays buoyant through its unique, boisterous animation. The director Anca Damian has a playful drawing style, and her kinetic frames are always creating something new for the audience to enjoy. Marona is the most plain of all, drawn as she is in inky black and white. Her simplicity in such a vibrant, eclectic frame makes her joys and sorrows all the more touching.”