Belgian Animated Drama ‘Juul’ Expands Studio 100 Film’s Slate at TIFF Market

Following Studio 100 Film’s recent acquisition, the Belgian animated drama “Juul” is set to headline the company’s presence at the TIFF Market. The deal marks a notable shift for the sales agency, which is primarily known for its family-friendly catalog, signaling an ambition to diversify into young adult and emotionally complex narratives.

The film is the debut feature from Fabrique Fantastique and is directed and produced by CEO Tom Van Gestel. Set against the backdrop of 1950s circus life, the story centers on Juul, a 17-year-old acrobat who enters a coma after a tragic accident. When her family faces financial collapse, her magician father makes a morally ambiguous choice: he steals her body from the hospital and presents her as a “living puppet” to save the circus. However, Juul remains conscious within her paralyzed frame, and as her internal rage intensifies, her skin begins to harden into porcelain, symbolizing her silent struggle for autonomy and identity.

Van Gestel described the project as an extraordinary experience, noting that it was one of the few scripts that brought him to tears upon first reading. The screenplay, written by An de Gruyter, was developed through extensive collaboration within the studio. Art director Liesbet van Loon was brought on to define the visual style, opting for a 3D animation technique that mimics the texture and physicality of stop-motion. This approach allowed the team to explore the visceral transformation from flesh to ceramic with greater detail.

The film’s aesthetic is further defined by its musical score, created in partnership with five-time Grammy winners Snarky Puppy. Van Gestel noted that the music incorporates spiraling motifs to mirror the narrative’s descent into psychological darkness, creating a cohesion between form and substance.

Securing the rights to “Juul” took nearly a year, according to Lorena Booth, senior manager of sales and acquisitions at Studio 100 Film. Despite the project falling outside the agency’s traditional focus, the team remained invested in the story. “We can’t get it out of our head,” Booth recalled being told. Studio 100 Film not only picked up the title but also assisted in finding a German co-producer and finalizing financing.

Currently in post-production with a delivery expected by the end of 2026, “Juul” required Van Gestel to balance his dual roles as creative director and CEO. He emphasized that his business acumen helped maintain budget transparency and avoid common production conflicts. With the animation nearing completion, Van Gestel expressed relief and excitement at the prospect of sharing the film with international audiences, highlighting the collaborative passion behind the Belgian production.