Joie de vivre courses through every meticulously composed frame, as Ernest & Célestine return in this joyous follow-up to their first Academy Award-nominated adventure.

At long last, they’ve returned! Ernest & Célestine, the charmingly mismatched best friends—a big gruff bear and a little plucky mouse—are back with another instant classic following their Oscar-nominated debut in 2013. Based on the glorious series of children’s books by author and illustrator Gabrielle Vincent, this poignant story speaks to the necessity of artistic freedom and the power of standing up for what you believe in.

When Ernest and Celestine discover music has been banned in the land of Charabie, they set out to take on the oppressive rule and restore lost harmony to their world. Speaking to the pang of leaving home and returning after having found your chosen family, and the expectations that come from those who raised you, this latest Ernest & Célestine sojourn beautifully builds on their whimsical world with intricate detail and deep artistry.

NEW ZEALAND PREMIERE

Directed by Julien Cheng and Jean-Christophe Roger
Animated Feature, France, 2022.
In French with English Subtitles.

Rating: G
Recommended for: Ages 7+