EXCLUSIVE:  Phuong Mai Nguyen’s In Waves, an animated feature adaptation of L.A. illustrator AJ Dungo’s eponymous cult 2019 graphic novel set in California, opens the 65th edition of Cannes Critics’ Week on Wednesday and Deadline can reveal a first clip.

Inspired by Dungo’s real-life love story, In Waves follows two young lovers, a skateboarder and a surfer, whose relationship rises above the test of serious illness.

Sharpe voices AJ, a reserved high school student who spends his days drawing and skateboarding with his friends. Hsu’s character Kristen is an energetic surfer, who finds joy and freedom in the ocean.

When they meet, curiosity evolves into deep love.  Kristen teaches AJ to surf and shares its historical connection to Hawaiian culture. As their relationship grows closer — and through devastating events — AJ is inspired to preserve their connection by drawing their story. Here we reveal AJ’s first attempt to catch a wave.

The French-language version features Lyna Khoudri, Rio Vega, Paul Kirscher and Biran Ba in the voice cast. Cannes Critics’ Week will screen both versions.

Vietnamese director Phuong Mai Nguyen is a graduate of France’s prestigious Les Gobelins animation school. Previously, she co-directed the 30-episode France Télévision series adaptation of Pénélope Bagieu’s comic book Brazen.

She has worked as a storyboard and graphic artist for several animated films and series and made several short works including Under the Same Roof which was shortlisted for the Academy Awards in 2016. In Waves is her first feature film.

The feature is produced by Paris-based Silex Films in co-production with Anonymous Content, France 3 Cinéma and Panique!. Charades is handling sales.