PHUONG MAI NGUYEN | FRANCE, BELGIUM | 2026 | 91 MIN | ENGLISH
A young romance blooms between a shy skateboarder and an adventurous surfer until sudden illness changes everything in this animated adaptation brought to life by director Phuong Mai Nguyen.
In sun-soaked Los Angeles, young AJ spends his days on his skateboard until he meets Kristen, an energetic surfer who finds freedom in the ocean. Their meeting grows into a budding romance, opening AJ to a new passion as Kristen shares her reverence for surfing with him. As their relationship takes root, the two fall in love with a future shaped by the people and pursuits that bring them joy. However, illness strikes Kristen, altering the course of their lives and testing the young couple as they face an unpredictable road together. Surrounded by friends and bonded by their connection to the ocean, AJ and Kristen draw strength from each other as they navigate what lies ahead. Vibrant visuals come to life through an alluring blend of 3D and 2D animation, giving the narrative both luminous clarity and emotional depth as it moves between stillness and turbulence. Adapted from AJ Dungo’s autobiographical graphic novel, director Phuong Mai Nguyen crafts a personal story of resilient young love for the big screen. Moving through Southern California’s sunlit landscapes, Nguyen’s animated feature captures the exhilaration of choosing love amid painful uncertainty.
Cast:Â Will Sharpe, Stephanie Hsu
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