Fragrant Nature Film Creations (FNFC), based in Kochi, Kerala, has acquired Indian rights to the Oscar and BAFTA-nominated French animated feature Little Amélie or the Character of Rain. The deal marks FNFC’s first international acquisition and the launch of its dedicated acquisitions and distribution arm.
A Strategic Move Into Global Animation
FNFC secured all Indian rights excluding airline distribution from Paris-based Goodfellas Animation. The acquisition was brokered by FNFC’s Riya Rajiv, head of film operations, and Sidharth S. Nair, sales and acquisitions coordinator, alongside Goodfellas Animation’s Jason Bressand. Managing director Anne Sajeev described the move as a strategic step toward building a curated international slate. “We see strong potential for high-quality global animation in the Indian market,” she said.
About the Film
Directed by Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han, the film is based on Amélie Nothomb’s novel The Character of Rain. Produced by Maybe Movies and Ikki Films, Little Amélie premiered at Cannes before earning nominations at the Oscars, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, Annie Awards, and Critics Choice Awards. It also won the Audience Award at Annecy. Critics have noted the film’s visual style draws inspiration from Studio Ghibli, blending whimsical storytelling with deeper themes of wartime Japan and recovery. Variety praised its ability to build empathy and emotional depth from a solipsistic starting point.
Indian Premiere
The film will premiere in India at AniMela, the Annecy-backed animation festival hosted at Whistling Woods International in Mumbai on February 22. A wider national release will follow.
FNFC’s Expanding Slate
FNFC is best known for producing Mohanlal and Anupam Kher’s drama Pranayam (2011) and the crime procedural Golam (2024). The company is currently in post-production on Half (2026), a vampire action film starring Ranjith Sajeev, Aiswarya Raj, and Amala Paul. More acquisitions are expected in the coming months. With Little Amélie joining its lineup, FNFC signals its ambition to bring acclaimed global animation to Indian audiences while strengthening its international footprint.
