Little Amélie

Based on Amélie Nothomb’s novella and set in 1960s Japan, this Oscar-nominated animation is a beautiful kaleidoscopic portrayal of childhood.

Amélie lives by her own rules. Initially silent and immobile, she is jolted into action aged three when an earthquake rattles her house. She stands astride two cultures, bonding with her Belgian grandmother Claude, who wins her over – in a stunning and explosive sequence - with chocolate, and her nanny Nishio-san, who introduces her to Japanese traditions and culture.

Based on Nothomb’s autobiography The Character of Rain, the film tackles darker themes like war, grief and fear. But at its heart is Amélie, studiously observing the world with a wide-eyed level of intensity that matches the film’s euphoric visuals. A true festival favourite – earning nominations from the Academy Awards, BAFTA and Cannes – this is the debut feature of directors Liane-Cho Han Jin Kuang and Maïlys Vallade.