A new chapter in creative collaboration between India and Israel unfolded this week as Arlequino & Pierrot, the first reported animation co-production between studios from the two countries, premiered at the International Festival for Animation, Comics and Caricature in Tel Aviv. The short animated film is more than just a festival entry—it is also a tribute to the imagination of late Israeli graphic novelist Revital Bronshtein, whose dream of seeing her work on screen was cut short by tragedy.
Screened during the festival running from August 4 to August 8, the project brings together Israel’s The Hive Studio and India’s Live Pixel Technologies. Beyond celebrating artistic partnership, the film highlights how creators from different countries can unite to build original stories for a global audience.
A Graphic Novel Lives On Through Animation
The film is based on Arlequino & Pierrot, a graphic novel created by Revital Bronshtein, who was widely known by her pen name, “Navy Bird.” Recognised for her imaginative storytelling and distinctive visual style, Bronshtein created fantasy-inspired comics that earned appreciation within Israel’s independent comic community. Alongside Arlequino & Pierrot, she also authored Still Earth, another graphic novel that she self-published and showcased at comic conventions.
Revital was killed in a terrorist attack while returning home in October 2024 at the age of 24, before she could witness her work being adapted into animation. Her passing deeply affected the creative community, making the completion of this film especially meaningful for those who knew her and admired her art.
Her mother, Liora, spoke emotionally about continuing her daughter’s dream despite unimaginable loss. She explained that although many people might lose hope after such a tragedy, she chose instead to dedicate herself to ensuring Revital’s creative vision reached audiences around the world.
Filmmakers Honour Revital Bronshtein’s Legacy
Director Anan Gibson said she first met Revital within Israel’s animation community and immediately recognised her extraordinary artistic talent. She explained that after reading Arlequino & Pierrot, she felt the story deserved to be transformed into an animated film.
“When I later read ‘Arlequino & Pierrot’, I knew it was a world that deserved to be brought to life through animation. This film is my way of honouring Revital’s memory. Although she never had the chance to see her stories become animated films, I hope this adaptation allows her imagination to continue living, moving, and inspiring audiences, keeping both her art and her voice alive,” Gibson said.
The film follows Arlequino, a cheerful clown, and Pierrot, a melancholy performer, who travel together with a circus aboard a train. Their seemingly perfect partnership changes dramatically when Pierrot suddenly walks away during a performance, bringing both the show and the train itself to an unexpected halt. The emotional narrative explores friendship, love, loss and the quiet sadness that can exist beneath outward happiness.
First India-Israel Animation Partnership Looks Beyond One Film
The production was jointly developed by Israel’s award-winning The Hive Studio and India’s Live Pixel Technologies. Co-producer Amit Russell Gicelter praised the collaboration with Rajeev Dwivedi, Founder and CEO of Live Pixel Technologies, describing the partnership as smooth and productive from the very beginning.
Dwivedi said the project represents more than a single animated short, calling it an important milestone for both countries’ animation industries.
“The collaboration is being recognised as the first-ever animation co-production between an Indian and an Israeli studio, bringing together two production houses from distinct creative traditions to build a single, shared IP for global audiences. ‘Navy Bird’ is more than a project for us. It is proof of concept that Indian and Israeli studios can build world class IP together,” he told PTI.
The project received support from the Makor Foundation for Israeli Films, while the production team also raised nearly €40,000 through a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. The combination of institutional backing and community support helped turn a personal dream into a completed film now reaching international audiences.
As global animation increasingly embraces international partnerships, Arlequino & Pierrot stands as an example of how storytelling can bridge cultures while preserving the legacy of an artist whose work continues to inspire beyond her lifetime.
Q&A
What is Arlequino & Pierrot about?
The animated short tells the story of two circus clowns, the cheerful Arlequino and the melancholic Pierrot, whose friendship is tested after an unexpected separation.
Why is the film significant?
It is being recognised as the first animation co-production between an Indian and an Israeli studio.
Who created the original story?
The film is based on a graphic novel by late Israeli artist Revital Bronshtein, also known by her pen name “Navy Bird.”
Which studios produced the film?
The project was co-produced by Israel’s The Hive Studio and India’s Live Pixel Technologies.
Where was the film premiered?
It was screened at the International Festival for Animation, Comics and Caricature in Tel Aviv.
How was the project funded?
The film received support from the Makor Foundation for Israeli Films and also raised nearly €40,000 through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign.
