Paris-based Miam! Distribution has pounced on the international distribution rights to “Trash!” (“Ordures”), a live-action, stop-motion hybrid series told from the points of view of those pesky disposable items littering our planet, including used condoms, broken eyeglass frames, bottles and cans.
The series is made up of four 13-minute episodes.
Set in the streets and sewers of Paris, it follows Gobi, a single-use coffee cup which faces an existential crisis after it’s discarded after just three minutes by “sweet” Marie. Convinced this was a mistake, it sets out to find her, meeting fellow trash in its journey across a world of waste “where trash piles high, self-esteem runs low and every step is a new disaster waiting to happen,” per the synopsis.
The darkly wry series, produced by Darjeeling and currently airing on Arte France, throws a glaring spotlight on the global problem of mounting trash, asking: “What if it had a voice?”
“This acquisition strengthens Miam! Distribution’s long-standing and successful collaboration with producer Darjeeling, a partnership that began with Miam!’s founding in 2016 and has since delivered numerous international successes,” said Mélanie Errea, head of sales & acquisitions at Miam! Distribution, who listed “Yeti Tales,” “Our Summer of Freedom” and “Fail in Love” among their previous Darjeeling pickups.
“’Trash!’ stands out for its distinctive hybrid graphic design and powerful storytelling. With a witty tone, it addresses the themes of fast consumption and the afterlife of our waste, delivering a message that resonates with our catalogue’s editorial vision,” she added.
Created by Géraldine de Margerie (“Call My Agent”) and Maxime Donzel (“Toutouyoutou”), it is directed by Venice Mostra-awarded filmmaker Benjamin Nuel alongside Kim Keukeleire whose credits include “Chicken Run,” “Wallace & Gromit” and “Frankenweenie.”
Said Marc Lustigman, executive producer and Darjeeling co-founder: “The series quickly went viral online, amassing nearly two million views on TikTok in less than 10 days. ‘Trash!’ represents also a remarkable achievement in securing unprecedented financing and rallying the support of numerous French institutions committed to environmental and sustainable initiatives (Alcome, Gestes Propres, Syctom and Refashion).”
The French voice cast is led by Sébastien Chassagne, Romane Bohringer, Anaïde Rozam, Jenny Letellier and Ludovic Franceschet, Paris’ most famous sanitation worker, with over 400,000 TikTok followers.
The series, also available in a 48-minute format, is part of Miam! Distribution’s slate of young adult programs that include best-selling titles “Boys Boys Boys,” “It’s My Body!” and “Brazen.”