Indian Animation Film 'Neelu' Secures Major International Deal for Co-Production with Spain, France, and Belgium.
Producers Xavier Yamamoto and Simon Barrionuevo are on board to collaborate with acclaimed director Saraswathi on the animated feature "Neelu", marking a significant milestone in her four-year passion project. The film is set against the backdrop of India's tribal communities and revolves around a young 19-year-old girl who moves to the city, only to uncover a dark plot involving female foeticide.
This international co-production deal brings together producers from Spain, France, and Belgium to support the story that has already garnered attention for its unique narrative. The partnership is significant not just because of its geographical scope but also due to the caliber of industry experts involved in this project.
Barrionuevo expressed his excitement about signing the contract with Saraswathi, highlighting her potential as a director. With Yamamoto joining forces, it's clear that "Neelu" has secured a robust support system to bring this ambitious project to fruition.
Interestingly, Saraswathi first pitched the idea at the Film Bazaar’s Co-Production Market in 2023 where she gained early backing from prominent industry figures. Her impressive credits include work on notable films like "The Hunger Games," "The Incredible Hulk," and "Snow White and the Huntsman."
As part of this international collaboration, production company Dancing Atoms raised around $225,000 in angel investment to help finance the project. Additionally, Saraswathi has been involved with several other high-profile projects.
Barrionuevo brings his experience as an animator and producer to the table, while Yamamoto joins from French and Belgian companies Cinema Libre and Sunyata Films respectively. The collaboration is poised to expand "Neelu" beyond its feature film debut, planning a graphic novel and webtoon series in 2026 to further develop the universe.
The team is now gearing up to secure additional funding by translating the script into French. Saraswathi credits her recent success to the support of fellow filmmakers who have been instrumental in her journey so far.
Pavan Balagam serves as executive producer and VFX director on this project, bringing extensive visual effects credits from films like "The Rundown," "Assassin's Creed," and "Superman Returns."
Producers Xavier Yamamoto and Simon Barrionuevo are on board to collaborate with acclaimed director Saraswathi on the animated feature "Neelu", marking a significant milestone in her four-year passion project. The film is set against the backdrop of India's tribal communities and revolves around a young 19-year-old girl who moves to the city, only to uncover a dark plot involving female foeticide.
This international co-production deal brings together producers from Spain, France, and Belgium to support the story that has already garnered attention for its unique narrative. The partnership is significant not just because of its geographical scope but also due to the caliber of industry experts involved in this project.
Barrionuevo expressed his excitement about signing the contract with Saraswathi, highlighting her potential as a director. With Yamamoto joining forces, it's clear that "Neelu" has secured a robust support system to bring this ambitious project to fruition.
Interestingly, Saraswathi first pitched the idea at the Film Bazaar’s Co-Production Market in 2023 where she gained early backing from prominent industry figures. Her impressive credits include work on notable films like "The Hunger Games," "The Incredible Hulk," and "Snow White and the Huntsman."
As part of this international collaboration, production company Dancing Atoms raised around $225,000 in angel investment to help finance the project. Additionally, Saraswathi has been involved with several other high-profile projects.
Barrionuevo brings his experience as an animator and producer to the table, while Yamamoto joins from French and Belgian companies Cinema Libre and Sunyata Films respectively. The collaboration is poised to expand "Neelu" beyond its feature film debut, planning a graphic novel and webtoon series in 2026 to further develop the universe.
The team is now gearing up to secure additional funding by translating the script into French. Saraswathi credits her recent success to the support of fellow filmmakers who have been instrumental in her journey so far.
Pavan Balagam serves as executive producer and VFX director on this project, bringing extensive visual effects credits from films like "The Rundown," "Assassin's Creed," and "Superman Returns."
This is so cool. The animation industry in India is really growing up and it's awesome to see Saraswathi get the recognition she deserves. I'm loving the fact that Spain, France, and Belgium are on board for this project too, it's gonna be a global hit for sure! 
The fact that it's getting an international co-production deal with Spain, France, and Belgium is HUGE 
. The caliber of industry experts involved is insane 
) and the producers bringing their A-game with Yamamoto and Barrionuevo are gonna help take this project to new heights 
.
. And I love that they're planning to expand 'Neelu' into graphic novels and webtoons in 2026 - can't wait to see more of this story unfold 
. Saraswathi's team has clearly got the skills, with Balagam on board for VFX duties 
.
.
It's all about the credits and the funding, not really about telling an amazing story 
The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that there's a hidden agenda here...
! It's so cool to see a young filmmaker like Saraswathi getting international recognition for her passion project 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to bring attention to an important story about female foeticide in India? 
The fact that it's co-produced with Spain, France, and Belgium is massive, and I love that they're supporting a unique narrative like this 
. And can we talk about Saraswathi's impressive credits? She's worked with some big names in the industry before 
and with producers like xavier yamamoto & simon barrionuevo on board, it's gonna be epic 
. the story about female foeticide in india's tribal communities is so important and needs to be told more 
it looks so powerful! i'm really rooting for Saraswathi to make this film happen 
. And the international collaboration is gonna bring something fresh to the table. I'm thinking of that old-school 'Tarzan' vibe 
. Can't wait to see the graphic novel and webtoon series in 2026... it's gonna be lit 
. The fact that Dancing Atoms got angel investment is a big plus too, gives me hope for its success 
.
. Saraswathi 
is a total boss 
. The fact that producers from around the world are on board is super exciting 
! It's clear that 'Neelu' has some serious momentum 
...
'Neelu' is gonna be SO GOOD!! 
Saraswathi is an amazing director and to see her collaborate with Xavier Yamamoto and Simon Barrionuevo is just... WOW!!! 
It's gonna be so cool to see this film come together with all these talented people working on it. I mean, have you seen any of Saraswathi's previous work? Like, 'The Hunger Games'?!