‘Imagine, take action!’
 

Posted on 13.10.2025

Ugo Bienvenue, the director of Arco, discusses the adventure of his film, which will be screened on 19 October in 40 towns to 400 teachers. The aim of this initiative, supported by CHANEL, is to encourage students to plan for a sustainable and inclusive future. 

Produced using 2D animation, Arco focuses on the human hand of the artist. Why take this organic approach to recount a story about the future, where the main characters are children?

I’m an artist, and the hand that draws is a reflection of one’s personality, it’s what conveys sensitivity and emotions. Human movement is beautiful because it’s imperfect. An artist's style is all about their capacity for interpretation, not about perfectly replicating what they see. It's the imagination that counts. It's recognising yourself in a drawing that comes to life, understanding that humans are both touching and fragile. It's also about the idea that we should always strive for perfection, and that the beauty lies in never achieving it.

Arco is the first animated feature film supported by CHANEL. What has this support enabled you to accomplish?

It’s an important sign that Chanel believes in us. It’s not merely financial support; it’s a guarantee of quality that’s different from those offered by the film industry. It reassures potential partners like distributors... It also encourages and promotes animated film, an artisanal craft we’re trying to preserve in France.

© DR
Arco (2025)

Studio Remembers, which produces Arco, functions independently. What does this independence mean artistically? 

It allows me to choose who I work with, which is important because we’re living the experience together. I want to surround myself with people whose work I respect. It also allows me to control the process and allocate resources where they're needed. It's about being motivated by people whose energy and belief in our art is as strong as my own. We fight for the things that are important to us. 

Tell us about the initiative, in partnership with CHANEL, involving schoolteachers and the film. What message are you hoping to convey?

First of all, it's incredible that Chanel once again supported us in this venture, which is so distinct from their core business. They believe in the film; I feel they like it a lot. I think they find the message of Arco important enough to say, ‘We want children to see this film’. Our intention with this story was to inspire the younger generation, who are facing major challenges, and to tell them, ‘Imagine, take action - it's the only way to change the world, to find happiness, and to share things with the people you love’. And I have the impression that Chanel also wants to convey that message.