Katak: The Brave Beluga

'Katak: The Brave Beluga' is a Canadian animated film directed by Christine Dallaire-Dupont and Nicola Lemay, released in 2023. The story follows Katak, a young beluga in Saguenay Fjord, who, unlike her peers, It hasn't changed color yet. Eager to demonstrate her maturity, she sets out on a quest to find her grandfather in the North Sea.

The film, released in English and French, features Ginette Reno as the only cast member to play the same character in both languages. First announced in 2020 as 'Beluga Blues', production materialized in 2023.

The plot follows Katak, who, accompanied by a sturgeon named Cyrano, ventures to the Arctic in search of her grandfather. On her journey, she encounters Jack-Knife, a deadly orca, and meets Jack-Lyn, her vegetarian daughter. She also faces challenges such as Cyrano's illness and a polar bear attack, which will make it difficult for her to reunite with her grandfather and return home.

The cast includes Roberto Naylor as the voice of Katak, Ginette Reno as the grandmother, and other talents in the English and French versions. The film explores themes of bravery, friendship and acceptance, offering a touching family story on a journey north.

Presented out of competition at the prestigious Annecy Festival, the film won the Enfants Terribles Award for Best Feature Film at the Gijón Festival. This animated feature film for the whole family immerses us in the stunning Quebec landscapes and the richness of the seabed, while exploring the harsh realities of beluga life.