by Alex Billington
September 30, 2026
A Fresh Vision in French Animation: The Arrival of ‘Muyi’
Gebeka Films has officially pulled back the curtain on the debut trailer for Muyi, a visually striking animated feature that transports viewers to a remote, mountainous region of China. Known in its native French as Muyi, la légende du village des femmes (Muyi, the legend of the village of women), the project is helmed by director Julien Chheng. Chheng, who previously garnered critical acclaim for his work on the “The Spy Dancer” segment for Star Wars: Visions, brings a distinct, fluid aesthetic to this folklore-inspired narrative.
Unveiling Ancient Secrets and Forbidden Traditions
The story centers on Muyi, a courageous protagonist residing in an isolated, all-female enclave high in the mountains. The community’s tranquil existence is shattered during a traditional Day of the Dead celebration. When a wandering opera troupe arrives to stage the legendary performance of “The Handsome General,” Muyi’s curiosity leads her to don a ceremonial mask. This singular act inadvertently unearths long-buried secrets, plunging her secluded home into a whirlwind of supernatural chaos and transformation.
The film’s atmospheric tension is bolstered by a talented voice cast, including Lucie Zhang in the titular role, alongside Jean-Stan Du Pac, Guillaume Bouchède, Yumi Fujimori, Colette Venhard, and Astor Chheng. The project has already begun to make waves in the global animation circuit, having secured a prestigious spot in the official selection at the 2026 Annecy Film Festival this summer. As the industry continues to see a surge in international co-productions, Muyi stands out as a prime example of how French animation studios are increasingly looking toward Eastern mythology to craft compelling, cross-cultural cinematic experiences.
