Gandahar is a utopian world of rare beauty and tranquillity, the result of extensive mutation and genetic experimentation. But the perfect peace is shattered when a mysterious evil force invades this idyllic serenity, turning people into stone with petrifying rays.

Aug 2007

René Laloux, director of Fantastic Planet [La Planète sauvage], created Gandahar, his final animated feature film, in 1988. Based on an original story by Jean-Pierre Andrevon, and a huge hit in France at the time of its release, it combines Laloux's famous imagination with that of animation designer Philippe Caza. Gandahar is a fascinating, adult animation which examines genetic mutation, the importance of organic farming, and urges a respect for nature that resonates today more than ever.

Life in the idyllic paradise of Gandahar seems peaceful and in joyous order, until the Mirror Birds (the eyes of Queen Ambisextra) report that inhabitants of whole villages have been turned to stone. A council of women chooses Sylvain Lanvère to uncover Gandahar's mysterious metallic attackers. In doing so, he finds an underground race of deformed Gandaharians and an oversized motherbrain, both the result of botched genetic experiments.

Previously seen in English-speaking countries as the dubbed hack-job alternatively titled Light Years (presided over by Harvey Weinstein who credited himself as "Director", over Laloux), The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present the original French version of Laloux's distinctive vision.