May 26, 2026
MANILA – “The Lovers,” a dark romance animated short film about a siren and a seafood chef, is one of the Filipino films heading to the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in France.
Studio Heartbreak announced the short film’s international premiere on its Instagram page, and it will be screened on May 23, 24, and 25.
“‘The Lovers’ is a short film, and so in all [three] of these screenings, we are in a block with other talented artists and creators! and also if you don’t manage to catch an IRL screening, it will be out on youtube for free in a bit anyways. I wont make you guys wait too long,” it said in one of its posts.
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According to its official website, the queer short is described as an adult animated series that follows an enemies-to-lovers storyline between Sara and Sirena. Sara, who works as a seafood chef, is forced to give up her dreams and return to her family’s restaurant in hopes of restoring her family back together.
“Sirena is a cunning siren, an apex predator armed with psychedelic venom, sharp spines, and an even sharper mind. Although she’s well acquainted with the cruelty of humans, there’s something hiding behind her confidence,” Studio Heartbreak added.
Other Filipino films that will be screened at the festival include “58th” and “Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah.” /edv