Trending Now - Emotional Journey Unfolds in 'in Waves' Animated Adaptation

WHO:

Variety - Phuong Mai Nguyen is opening Cannes Critics’ Week with the animated film “In Waves.”

Variety - The animated feature "In Waves" is based on the autobiographical graphic novel by surfer and illustrator AJ Dungo.

Little White Lies - The film is directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen, a prolific graphic artist.

WHAT:

Variety - The film features a shy teenager named AJ who falls in love with a girl named Kristen, who loves to surf.

Variety - "In Waves" is described as an "elegantly animated feature debut" and is characterized as an "unapologetically conventional tearjerker."

Little White Lies - The adaptation is noted for its earnestness and is based on Dungo's 2019 graphic novel.

WHERE:

Variety - The film is an adaptation of a story that takes place in the context of young people navigating a love story.

WHEN:

Little White Lies - The graphic novel "In Waves" was published in 2019.

WHY:

Variety - Phuong Mai Nguyen expressed feeling intimidated by the real-life story behind the film before making it, stating, "Before making this film, I didn’t have much of a connection."

Variety - The film's narrative is described as a "doomed love story," suggesting themes of love and loss.

HOW:

Variety - The film employs elegant animation to convey its emotional story.

(UPDATED May 13, 2026 17:43 UTC)

Phuong Mai Nguyen is set to open Cannes Critics’ Week with her animated film "In Waves," which tells the story of a shy teenager named AJ who falls in love with a surfing enthusiast named Kristen. Nguyen admitted to feeling intimidated by the real-life story that inspired the film, sharing, "Before making this film, I didn’t have much of a connection." The film promises to explore themes of love and self-discovery against the backdrop of the ocean.

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(UPDATED May 13, 2026 13:44 UTC)

The animated feature "In Waves," directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen, is based on the autobiographical graphic novel by surfer and illustrator AJ Dungo, published in 2019. Described as an "elegantly animated feature debut," the film tells a "doomed love story" that captures the earnestness of young people navigating their emotions. With its heartfelt narrative and beautiful animation, "In Waves" is characterized as an "unapologetically conventional tearjerker."