^{Credit: Lucy Lost (Xilam Animation)} 

Lucy Lost, the latest feature from Xilam Animation, started its voyage as a TV series. Based on Michael Morpurgo's Listen to the Moon, Lucy Lost lingered in development for years as the studio struggled to adapt it for the TV medium. Changing course as a feature film, Lucy Lost found a new captain in director Olivier Clert. Previously working on animated films like Klaus, The Little Prince, and Little Amélie or the Character of Rain, Clert makes his feature directorial debut with Lucy Lost, which premiered at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. Lucy Lost is next set to play at Annecy as part of the Official Competition. Cartoon Contender spoke with Clert about cracking this tricky adaptation, inspirations behind the animation, and hitting the international festival circuit.

Check out my full video interview with Oliver Clerk below: 

You can also read my review of Lucy Lost here. 

Nick Spake is the Author of Bright & Shiny: A History of Animation at Award Shows Volumes 1, 2, and 3. Available Now!