In Waves Will Open American French Film Festival
The animated feature will debut at the DGA complex in West Hollywood on November 3.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Animation
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The animated film In Waves will serve as the opening feature for the 30th anniversary of the American French Film Festival. The event will take place at the DGA complex in West Hollywood beginning November 3.
Why it matters
Selecting In Waves as the opening feature highlights the festival's focus on international animation and its milestone 30th anniversary. The event serves as a prominent platform for French-language content within the U.S. market.
The festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary, with the Television Series Competition showcasing 12 entries presented alongside major studios.
The players
Phuong Mai Nguyen
She is the director of the animated feature In Waves.
AJ Dungo
He is the author of the graphic novel that serves as the source material for the film.
Netflix
This global streaming platform is the official U.S. distributor for the film.
The details
Directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen, In Waves is an adaptation of the graphic novel by AJ Dungo that previously debuted at the Cannes Film Festival. Netflix is serving as the U.S. distributor for the animated project.
Timeline
Oct. 6: The official festival lineup will be announced.
Nov. 3: In Waves opens the American French Film Festival.
Nov. 3-8: The festival runs at the DGA complex in West Hollywood.
Industry Dynamics
The festival follows a pattern set by the Cannes Film Festival by prioritizing high-profile international animation for its opening slot. This positions the event as a critical bridge for foreign-language content seeking broader visibility in the American market.
The festival's presence at the DGA complex in West Hollywood provides local audiences direct access to international animated features and competitive television series. Attendees can monitor the upcoming October 6 lineup announcement to plan their viewing schedules.
The takeaway
The selection of an animated feature for a marquee opening slot emphasizes the growing commercial and critical weight of the medium. Film enthusiasts should watch for the full lineup reveal to identify which other international projects will be available for viewing in November.
What happens next
The full lineup for the American French Film Festival is scheduled to be announced on October 6.
Further reading
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