Leonore

A large book opens to reveal a castle where the king and queen prepare to leave for vacation, entrusting their daughter Léonore with the kingdom. Frustrated at being left behind, she decides to transform the palace using peacock feathers to impress them and secure her place as queen. She orders decorations everywhere—until no feathers remain. Desperate, Léonore searches the entire estate and finally discovers her peacock, Léon, hiding in the hay—completely plucked and shivering. Realizing her mistake, she comforts him and secretly takes him to her room. There, she dismantles her feathered dress and crown to restore his appearance, with help from the hens who bring back a few feathers. When the king and queen return, they are stunned—not by the palace, but by the sight of their plucked peacock and Léonore caring for him. The moment turns humorous, but also marks Léonore’s growth, as she learns responsibility, empathy, and the consequences of her actions.

Director’s statement
The project “Léonore” stems from childhood memories surrounded by animals, including a mesmerizing peacock. The story explores innocence and its limits: out of curiosity and desire, Léonore makes choices that disrupt the balance with her friend and their environment. The film addresses desire versus need, respect for others, and the natural world, while highlighting overconsumption and its consequences. Visually, the universe draws inspiration from linocut and medieval, skewed perspectives, with a limited color palette and textured backgrounds. Animation will combine cut-paper multiplane sequences and stop-motion in volume, creating a tactile and organic experience. Without dialogue, the narrative relies on gestures, expressions, and an expressive soundtrack to enhance humor, rhythm, and emotion. “Léonore” is a visual and sensory tale that encourages children to reflect on friendship, empathy, and ecological responsibility.