In Waves Uncovers Survivor‑Surf Romance Shaking 30th Film Festival

The animated feature In Waves has been chosen as the opening film for the 30th American French Film Festival (TAFFF) in Los Angeles. The movie, which debuted as the opener at Cannes Critics’ Week in May, follows a skateboarder and a surfer whose romance endures through a serious illness.

Directed by French‑Vietnamese filmmaker Phuong Mai Nguyen, it adapts AJ Dungo’s cult 2019 graphic novel of the same name.

Will Sharpe voices AJ, a quiet high‑school student who spends his days drawing and skating, while Oscar‑nominated Stephanie Hsu voices Kristen, an energetic surfer who pulls him into the ocean.

The story traces their early days to their courageous fight together after Kristen’s cancer diagnosis, offering a touching look at love under pressure. The film is presented in English and is available worldwide outside France following Netflix’s acquisition of global rights.

In Waves follows AJ, a reserved high‑school student who spends his days drawing and skateboarding, and Kristen, an energetic surfer who draws him into the ocean. Their romance starts on a sunny Californian beach and evolves as they face Kristen’s cancer diagnosis.

The film examines how love can endure when confronted with illness, blending humor, tenderness, and the vibrant world of surfing.

## Background & Context

AJ Dungo, a Californian surfer and self‑taught artist, spent years drawing his graphic novel as a way of processing the loss of his girlfriend.

That intimate, autobiographical work found its second life across the Atlantic, where French‑Vietnamese director Phuong Mai Nguyen and Silex Films optioned it, assembled a French production, and spent years translating Dungo’s fine work into a fully animated feature," said Cécile Rap‑Veber, President of the Franco‑American Cultural Fund and CEO of SACEM.

Silex Films handled the animation production, translating Dungo’s detailed illustrations into a fluid, stylized visual experience that captures both the thrill of the waves and the quiet moments of intimacy.

The team worked closely with Dungo to ensure the spirit of his original art remained intact while adapting it for a broader audience. Their collaboration highlights how French studios can bring American stories to life with unique craftsmanship.

TAFFF is produced by the Franco‑American Cultural Fund, a partnership between the Directors Guild of America, the Motion Picture Association, France’s SACEM, and the Writers Guild of America West.

In 2024, TAFFF and the Writers Guild collaborated on a workshop titled “Bringing Graphic Worlds to Life,” which brought together Dungo and producer Priscilla Bertin to explore the film’s journey from page to screen. The event underscored the festival’s commitment to cross‑cultural storytelling.

## What People Are Saying

Cécile Rap‑Veber noted that Netflix “has now brought the finished film back to American audiences as U.S. distributor, closing a circle that began on a California beach and passed through French animation studios before returning home.” She added that such a journey “sits at the heart of what TAFFF exists to celebrate.”

Ted Sarandos, co‑CEO of Netflix, expressed enthusiasm for the film’s premiere, saying, “I’m thrilled that In Waves will open The American French Film Festival’s 30th anniversary edition, a first for an animated feature film.” He went on to say the festival is “the ultimate stateside destination for French films and series,” and he looks forward to audiences worldwide discovering the special film.

Opening with an animated feature for the first time marks a milestone for TAFFF, highlighting its willingness to showcase diverse formats that bridge American and French creative worlds. The decision underscores the festival’s role in celebrating storytelling that transcends traditional boundaries.

It also signals a broader appreciation for animation as a medium capable of conveying deeply human narratives.

## What Happens Next

The opening night screening will feature In Waves in association with Netflix, which secured global rights outside France after the film’s Cannes debut. The film’s presence at TAFFF provides an international platform for a story that began on Californian shores and evolved through French production expertise.

Attendees can expect to experience the narrative’s emotional depth and artistic flair.

Beyond the festival, In Waves will continue to be distributed by Netflix in U.S. markets and beyond, making it accessible to a wide audience. Viewers who missed the Cannes Critics’ Week can now experience the story of AJ and Kristen from their Californian beaches to the animated canvas that bridges American and French creative worlds.

The film’s availability reinforces its reach across borders.

With its unique blend of surf culture, heartfelt narrative, and international collaboration, In Waves exemplifies the spirit of TAFFF and sets a fresh tone for the festival’s 30th year. The film’s journey from page to screen serves as the enduring power of creative partnership across continents.