Cartoon Saloon director Louise Bagnall debuts ‘Julián’

Louise Bagnall, the creative director of the Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon, is making her feature directorial debut with the animated film ‘Julián’. The project was discussed at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.

Based on Jessica Love’s 2018 children’s book ‘Julián Is a Mermaid’, the film follows seven-year-old Julián during a stay with his Dominican grandmother in Brooklyn. The story explores themes of self-expression, imagination, and connection to Caribbean community roots as the character navigates his surroundings and identity.

‘Julián’ is a co-production involving Mélusine Productions, Aircraft Pictures, and Sun Creature Studio.