Filmax Gathers ‘Moss’ (EXCLUSIVE)
by John Hopewell · VarietyHaving joined forces on WWII drama-thriller “Frontier,” a Menemsha Films U.S. pickup, Catalan director Judith Colell and Barcelona-based studio Filmax are reuniting on another war tale.
This time, however, it will be told through an animated feature and the story of the friendship between Moss, a loyal dog, and a young girl, Ana.
Filmax has acquired international sales rights and will introduce first-look images of “Moss” at Cannes’ Marché du Film.
Related Stories
Imogen Poots, John Reynolds to Star in Amazon Series 'Sex Criminals'
Eva Longoria and 'House of the Spirits' Showrunners on the Magic and the Realism That Brought Isabel Allende's Beloved Novel to Amazon
Targeting family audiences, “Moss” turns on Ana who, on her sixth birthday, adopts Moss, an abandoned puppy. The two quickly become inseparable. But then war breaks out and amid the chaos of the bombings, they are separated. Moss becomes a street dog and lives an adventurous life. Anna, scarred by loss and trauma, fights to rebuild her life. Years later, they both set out on a search for each other that symbolizes resilience, memory and hope.
Written by María Jaén, “Moss” is based on the prize-winning book by David Cirici.
The production is driven by Barcelona’s Imagic TV and Czech-Slovak company PFX and produced by Jordi B. Oliva.
With this acquisition, Filmax is reinforcing its commitment to quality European animation, it announced Tuesday.
The production is driven by Barcelona’s Imagic TV and Czech-Slovak company PFX and produced by Jordi B. Oliva, whose credits include “Josep,” a 2021 animated feature Cesar Award winner.
Hailed by Filmax as one of the standout European animations of the year, “Moss” been put through multiple market forums, such a the CEE Animation Forum (2023), Asia TV Forum & Market (2023), Cartoon Movie (2024), Animation Production Days (2024), Cinekid (2025), Platino Go to AFM (2025).
“At Imagic TV, we believe that this film is more necessary than ever. Through the eyes of Moss the dog, and without resorting to sugarcoating, we want children to understand the cruel realities of war and the differences between right and wrong,” said Oliva. “Moss is a family movie that encourages dialogue and invites the viewer to reflect on a reality that is sadly all too universal and relevant anywhere and at any time.”
“After the great international run had by ‘Frontier,’ we are thrilled to be accompanying Judith Colell again in this unexpected, yet highly stimulating territory of animation,” added Filmax Head of International Ivan Díaz.
“Her vision remains committed as she tells another story about war, sadly so commonplace in our world, and its horrific impact in so many innocent beings. With Judith’s vision and Jordi Oliva’s great production we’re certain that the final result will be a beautiful and truly emotional film.”
Set in a high Pyrenees village in 1943, “Frontier” turns on a Catalan customs officer who defies orders, helping Jews escape from Nazi-occupied France. Harnessing the period drama expertise of Banijay’s Diagonal and its key crew, the crossover of historical thriller and arthouse social point film, tense at times and gorgeously shot, played off the heavenly mountains and a historical hell.
Released in Spain last December “Frontier” grossed €417,353 ($492,476) and won 2026 Catalan Academy Gaudi Awards for best picture and its Audience Award.