Pixar Animation Studios returns to the globally revered Cannes Film Festival for the world premiere of its all-new feature film "Elemental" on May 27, ahead of its theatrical release on June 16. "Elemental" is the fourth film from the storied studio to be selected for the event and joins previous favorites "Up," "Inside Out" and "Soul", and will be the closing film of the 76th edition of the festival.
"As we all emerge from our pandemic cocoons and come together in story rooms, animation dailies, and impromptu brainstorming sessions, it's a joy and honor to have Pixar back on La Croisette. Directed by the extraordinary storyteller Peter Sohn, ‘Elemental' is so funny, full of heart, and, frankly, stunning to see. It was created for audiences to experience on the big screen and I love that it'll make its world premiere at Cannes", said Pete Docter, Pixar's chief creative officer.
Thierry Frémaux, general delegate, Cannes Film Festival, said, "For many years, the Cannes Film Festival has welcomed animated films from around the world. Pixar Animation Studios, with ‘Up'-directed by Pete Docter-made Cannes history by opening the 62nd edition of the Festival in 2009. It was a wonderful event! This is another great opportunity to present the amazing ‘Elemental' on the closing of this 76th Cannes Film Festival and to think about our lives in such a powerful way."
Disney and Pixar's "Elemental" is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where fire, water, land, and air residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. The talented voice cast includes Leah Lewis as the fiery Ember; Mamoudou Athie as the water guy Wade; Ronnie del Carmen as Ember's soon-to-be-retired dad, Bernie; Shila Ommi as Ember's love-seeking mom, Cinder; Wendi McLendon-Covey as Wade's stormy and Air-Ball-loving boss, Gale; Catherine O'Hara as Wade's welcoming mom, Brook; Mason Wertheimer as Ember's admiring neighbor, Clod; and Joe Pera as an overgrown city bureaucrat, Fern.
Directed by Peter Sohn, produced by Denise Ream, p.g.a., and executive produced by Pete Docter, "Elemental" features a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel, and Brenda Hsueh with a story by Sohn, Hoberg & Likkel and Hsueh. The film's original score was composed and conducted by Thomas Newman.
The selection of "Elemental" for the Cannes Film Festival is a testament to the enduring appeal of animation as an art form and the creative vision of Pixar Animation Studios. As audiences around the world look forward to the film's premiere, they can anticipate a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, with characters that are sure to capture their hearts and imaginations.
"Elemental" opens with Pixar's all-new short, "Carl's Date," in U.S. theaters on June 16, 2023.
The Cannes Film Festival was founded in 1946 and is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. The festival showcases a wide variety of films, including feature films, short films, and documentaries, from countries all over the world. It is held in May each year and lasts for about two weeks. During this time, filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts from around the world come together to celebrate cinema and to preview some of the most highly anticipated films of the year.
