The Most Precious of Cargoes

2024, France, 81 min – Animation, Humanism, History, Shoah
In French with English Subtitles

Synopsis

Once upon a time, a poor woodcutter and his wife lived in a great forest. Cold, hunger, poverty and a war raging all around them meant their lives were very hard. One day, the woodcutter’s wife rescues a baby. A baby girl thrown from one of the many trains that constantly pass through the forest. This baby, this “most precious of cargoes”, will transform the lives of the poor woodcutter’s wife and her husband, as well as those whose paths the child will cross – including the man who threw her from the train. And some will try to protect her, whatever the cost. Their story will reveal the worst and the best in the hearts of men.

Directed by

Michel Hazanavicius

Cast

Reactions

True to both the spirit and the letter of the text, the film does more than honor the original. It transubstantiates it into the world of animation with all the sobriety, sensitivity, and talent required. Le Monde – Critic’s Pick
This delicate fable is a little gem of animation. Télérama
By adapting Jean-Claude Grumberg’s story, Hazanavicius achieves a powerful entry into animation. The film successfully translates the irresistible strength of the original into images. Premiere

… the film never feels heavy. Hope and resilience are at the heart of this beautiful, human story. Culture-Tops

Combining the heavy lines of early-20th-century woodcuts with the soft hues of watercolor… Hazanavicius offers a poignant way to explore not only the horrors of the Holocaust, but also the kindness that countered it. It’s an indelible parable, destined to be watched and shared for generations. Variety
A gentle, haunting animated adaptation… elegantly designed and emotionally direct… Hazanavicius crafts an elegant fable about the darkest of times, presenting a story of unexpected compassion in a world of cruelty. IndieWire
The hand-drawn animation brings texture and emotional distance… allowing viewers to absorb the horror and hope alike. Eye for Film
A postmodern fairytale… dreamy and visually arresting. The animation brings a softened lens to its subject while still confronting fascism with sincerity. The Guardian

Festivals and Awards

Festival de Cannes 2024 – Competition Palme d’Or
Annecy 2024 – Opening Film
Valladolid (Seminci) 2024 – Golden Spike, Seminci Joven Award
César Awards 2025 – Nominations for Best Adaptation, best animation, best music
Lumière Awards 2025 – Nomination Best animation and best music
Magritte Awards 2025 – Winner best foreign film
FIFF de Namur 2024 – Winner Best Script
Mar del Plata 2024 – Jury Special Mention
Deauville 2024 – L’Heure de la Croisette
Festival animation Rennes Métropole 2025 – Winner André Martin Award

Playdates and Bookings

Downloads

Poster
Stills
Social Assets
Production Notes
Trailer MP4
Trailer DCP Flat
Trailer DCP Scope