Netflix's 'In Waves' Premieres at Annecy Film Festival
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- "In Waves" is an animated feature adapted from A.J. Dungo's 2019 graphic novel, telling the true story of water-phobic skateboarder A.J. who falls for surfer Kristen; the narrative turns when she faces cancer and chooses a leg amputation to keep surfing.
- Phuong Mal Nguyen directs in her feature debut, with English voice leads Will Sharpe as A.J. and Stephanie Hsu as Kristen; a French-language version starring Rio Vega and Lyna Khoudri opens in France on July 1.
- The film opened the Cannes Film Festival Critics Week last month and now premieres in competition at the Annecy Film Festival.
- Netflix acquired the film out of Cannes, committing to a global release and an awards-season push.
- The film runs 1 hour 30 minutes, is produced by Priscilla Bertin, Judith Nora, and Nick Shumaker, and was written by Fanny Burdino and Samuel Doux.
Why it matters: Netflix's pickup gives Phuong Mal Nguyen's debut feature — a Cannes Critics Week opener and Annecy competition title — a global platform and awards push, while the French-language version opens in France on July 1.
