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ARCO, Award-Winning French Animated Film, Set for India Release
Oscar Nominated and Annecy Cristal Winner Film premiered last year at Cannes

The award-winning French animated film ARCO has been officially confirmed for a theatrical release in India, with distributors announcing February 27, 2026, as the Indian release date.

India Release & Festival Screenings

Impact Films India first confirmed that ARCO would release theatrically in India later this February, with plans gradually unfolding over the following weeks. Ahead of its nationwide release, the film was also showcased at AniMela 2026, where it received a special screening as part of the festival’s animation lineup.

The AniMela screening took place on February 21, 2026, giving festival attendees an early opportunity to experience the film before its theatrical rollout.

AniMela 2026 – Special Screening

  • Date: February 21, 2026
  • Venue: 5th VEDA Auditorium
  • Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Trailer & Promotional Posters

In the lead-up to the release, distributors unveiled the official Indian poster and released the Indian trailer, presented in French with English subtitles. The trailer was later made available on PVR INOX Pictures’ official YouTube channel, further confirming the film’s Indian theatrical push.

ARCO – Official Indian Trailer

About the Film

ARCO is a French sci-fi fantasy animated feature directed by Ugo Bienvenu, who also co-wrote the film alongside Félix de Givry.

The film had its world premiere on May 16, 2025, at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, and later received widespread acclaim on the international festival circuit.

Awards & Recognition

ARCO has already established itself as one of the most celebrated animated films of the year:

  • Annecy International Animation Film Festival
    • Cristal Award for Best Feature Film
    • SACEM Award for Best Original Music
  • Academy Awards (Oscars 2026)
    • Nominated for Best Animated Feature

The film was previously released theatrically in France on October 22, 2025.

Story Synopsis

Set in the year 2075, ARCO follows a young girl who witnesses a mysterious boy in a rainbow-colored suit fall from the sky. He comes from a distant future where time travel is possible, and as she shelters him, the two form a bond that drives her to help him return to his own time.

India Release

ARCO is scheduled to release in Indian cinemas on February 27, 2026, bringing one of the year’s most acclaimed animated films to Indian audiences.

Mirchi Seth

Mirchi Seth is an anime enthusiast and independent researcher dedicated to uncovering the forgotten History of Anime in India. He's on a mission to document every single anime that has ever aired in the country. He's also the creator behind the Anime Mirchi YouTube channel.