Celso Garcia to Direct Animated Film ‘Halloween vs Day of the Dead’

Munich-based Studio 100 Intl. has teamed up with Mexican animation studio Lunch Films to develop animated family feature “Halloween vs Day of the Dead.”

The film, which will blend 2D and 3D animation, will be directed by Celso Garcia, founder of Lunch Films and repped by the Gotham Group. Garcia’s credits include “The Thin Yellow Line,” produced by Guillermo del Toro, “Origins: The Journey of Humankind” for National Geographic and Legendary Pictures, the Mexican remake of “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” for Sony Pictures International, and “The Great Seduction,” a comedy produced for Netflix.

Joining the project is animation film producer and production director Gerry Cardoso, renowned for “El Americano: The Movie,” the first animated film co-produced between Mexico and the U.S.

“Halloween vs Day of the Dead,” set in a steampunk world, delves into the traditions of Halloween and Day of the Dead. The rivalry of the two towns Halloween Ville and Day of the Dead Town, which broke relations hundreds of years ago, can only be resolved by the most unlikely and innocent of its residents, the children.

The story centers around Pumpkid, a boy from Halloween Ville, and Bony Lu, a girl from Day of the Dead Town. Together with a group of friends they go on an incredible journey to reunite their feuding towns and people.

“Packed with a blend of fantasy and humor, the film explores universal and timeless themes of friendship, family, and self-discovery,” according to a statement.

Garcia said: “The film will be a respectful and luminous tribute to both celebrations and their cultures. The tale of these two children, born into rivaling villages yet striving to reunite their divided communities, is universal and timeless and more relevant than ever. We aim to craft a beautiful journey of friendship, courage and hope, all seen through the eyes of these children.”

Thorsten Wegener, director of business operations of Studio 100 Intl., said: “We are excited to embark on this creative journey with Lunch Films, blending our shared passion for storytelling to bring ‘Halloween vs Day of the Dead’ to life.

“Bringing together the strengths of both studios, this project combines vibrant animation with a heartfelt story that will resonate with family audiences worldwide, offering a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience that celebrates cultural diversity and the power of friendship.”