This ecological manifesto, presented in 2D animation in ‘Blender’, weaves together the journeys of Tanit, Shaila, and Valeria as they contend with the effects of climate change in their daily lives. Their respective journeys take them from Turkana to Nairobi, Ghoramara, India, to Dubai, and San Martín, Cuba, to Paris. The film is produced by Ikiru Films, in co-production with Tinglado Films (director Baute’s own label), Anangu Group, and the Panamanian company Tunche Films (producers of Ainbo).
Baute has previously worked on documentary and hybrid projects such as ELLA (s) and Milagros. He is also the artistic director of the International Documentary Film Festival MIRADASDOC, held in March in Guia de Isora, Tenerife.
The original languages of the film include Spanish, Bengali, Turkana, French, and Arabic.
The project traces back to early 2016 when Baute shared a fledgling idea with Edmon Roch (Ikiru) regarding the oversight of climate exile by the Geneva Convention. They recognized the urgency of addressing this issue and saw potential in channeling it into a film. Through numerous discussions, they concluded that “the most effective approach wasn’t a documentary following specific individuals, but rather transforming it into a universal narrative. Animation emerged as the ideal medium, offering greater global resonance.”
David conducted in all these locations. Collaborating with Yaiza Berrocal, a screenplay gradually took shape, and an animation team was assembled between Tinglado and Ikiru. Pepe Sánchez (Toonwolf Animation Studio) played a key role as the artistic and animation designer, alongside María Pulido, who served as the art and photography director. Pulido had previously contributed to the first teaser, which debuted at the Annecy WIPs in 2020. The project, Black Butterflies, made appearances at Animation! (Ventana Sur) in Buenos Aires and at MIA-Market Animation in Rome. It received research support from National Geographic and was selected for pitches at Docs in Thessaloniki and the FIFDH Impact Day in Geneva. Additionally, it was showcased at the Animac festival in Lleida.
The film has received production support from ICAA, ICEC, the Government of the Canary Islands, and the Tenerife Island Council. The production team anticipates securing the international sales agreement at the Alpine festival.
