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Many Fish Out of Water: Watch Sélim Lallaoui’s New Short Film “Above the Sea”

Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Director/animator Sélim Lallaoui, who co-directed the breathtaking student short film La Diplomatie de l’éclipse, joins forces with the production talents at Paris animation studio Wizz for his new visual epic, Above the Sea.

After the success of La Diplomatie de l’éclipse (including a Silver Medal at the Student Academy Awards and Best in Show at SIGGRAPH), Lallaoui went to work for major animation studios in France, sharpening his narrative and technical skills.

“From our first discussions with Selim, we were struck by his universe: sensitive, precise, and very self-assured.”

From Wizz: “From our first discussions with Selim, we were struck by his universe: sensitive, precise, and very self-assured. By turning to Wizz, he was seeking support to challenge his ideas and push them further.

“In this short film, the young director invites us to follow the poetic drifting of a man in search of elevation. As if absorbed by his own daydream, his character eventually becomes the very object of his contemplation.

“Selim is responsible for everything in the film: directing, art direction, graphic design, and character design, establishing himself as a singular and inspiring voice. And we are proud to have supported him in this first step.”