The company 10e Ave Productions, based near Quebec, launched its first animated feature, The legend of Sarilain 2013. His fourth opus, Felix and the Treasure of Morgäaunveiled in 2021, has been distributed in more than 170 countries and territories. Katak, the brave belugacan aim so high, because it has two assets working in its favour: endearing marine and flying characters and beautiful landscapes, which put the St. Lawrence River in the foreground.
Under the guise of an adventure, directors Christine Dallaire-Dupont and Nicola Lemay take viewers to the heart of a herd of belugas united by very strong emotional ties. We find all the ingredients of a family film, whether it’s amusing characters, many twists, surpassing oneself and the importance of the family. Although other animated films like Finding Nemo (Finding Nemo), by Pixar, have certain points in common, Katak’s journey finds its own resonance in its highlighting of the fragile destiny of beluga whales. The beauty of the St. Lawrence and its surroundings, its very particular flora and fauna give it its specificity.
At the heart of the film is the love that the courageous Katak (voice of Alexandre Bacon) feels for his grandmother (the most recognizable voice of Ginette Reno). This love gives him the courage to assert himself. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters highlighted by an impressive voice cast, which also includes (among others) Yves Jacques, Ludivine Reding, Jérémie Desbiens, Jeff Boudreault and Guylaine Tremblay.
Nobody’s really bad in this first animated feature written by children’s screenwriter Andrée Lambert, who has collaborated on well-known series like Bagpipe, Knock Knock knock And salmigondis. Even the terrifying killer whale Jack-Knife (voice of Mario Saint-Amand) shows a certain vulnerability when he has to deal with his adored rebellious daughter, Jack-Lynn, who is a vegetarian (voice of Émilie Josset). Acceptance of self and others comes in many forms.
The animated film, intended for a young audience, gives them time to tame the uncluttered decor and to discern all its splendour. The small red-roofed dwellings scattered along the coasts are timeless. Adults, carried by the haunting music of Uberko, will recognize Tadoussac, the Mingan Islands, Natashquan and the wreck off Red Bay, Labrador. No humans appear, but the terrible propellers of the boats and the drilling activities scare the belugas and cause them stress, threatening their survival. Marine protected areas in the St. Lawrence are taking on life-saving features. The message is not subtle. But the adventures of the intrepid Katak give the desire to go there and do better.
Indoors
Animation Film
Katak, the brave beluga
Christine Dallaire-Dupont and Nicola Lemay
Voice of Alexandre Bacon, Ludivine Reding, Yves Jacques
1:22 a.m.