Emmanuel-Alain Raynal

Born smack in the middle of Nice, France, back in December ‘81, Emmanuel-Alain Raynal has pretty much carved his own lane in the movie biz. The guy doesn’t just dip his toes in—he’s all in as a producer and production manager. If you’re into offbeat, animated flicks or indie gems, you’ve probably seen his name roll past in the credits. “Chicken for Linda!” dropped in 2023 and, trust me, it’s not your average family movie—Raynal’s touch is all over its wild, emotionally honest chaos. Then there’s “Ghost Cat Anzu” (2024), which brings that quirky, magical realism that’s so rare these days. Raynal’s not afraid to back projects that go off the beaten path, stuff that doesn’t feel like it came out of a Hollywood assembly line. Rewind a bit to 2018—he had his hands on “Je sors acheter des cigarettes,” a short that’s oddly haunting and pretty unforgettable. He seems drawn to stories that linger, you know? Not your typical popcorn fare. His choices as a producer show he’s got guts, plus a soft spot for stories that don’t shy away from messiness or the weird corners of growing up. Beyond just getting films made, Raynal’s known for championing artists, especially directors with a vision and animators who color outside the lines. If you’re looking for someone bringing fresh, bold energy to European cinema, he’s quietly making sure the weird, wonderful stuff gets a shot. And honestly, the French industry could use more like him—people who aren’t afraid to shake things up a little.