In Ugo Bienvenu’s animated film “Arco,” two different futures are explored. The storyline follows a 10-year-old boy who inadvertently travels back in time from the distant future of 2932 to the near future of 2075. The future he comes from is depicted as a world devastated by climate disasters and rising sea levels, rendering it nearly uninhabitable. Conversely, the near future he lands in is more familiar but still faces imminent threats, such as a massive forest fire on the outskirts of the village.
Both Bienvenu and producer-actor Natalie Portman view these contrasting futures as reflections of potential paths for humanity. Bienvenu emphasizes the importance of ideas in shaping our destiny, aiming to inspire the new generation to trust their instincts and aspirations. Portman appreciates the nuanced portrayal of the future in the film, highlighting the blend of darkness and hope without leaning entirely towards optimism or pessimism.
The film’s refusal to offer a definitive forecast has resonated positively, earning it the Best Animated Feature award at the European Film Awards and a nomination in the same category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. However, for Bienvenu, the ultimate message of the movie is not about achieving outright victory but rather about finding success through setbacks. He believes in the concept of “From wrong comes the right,” underscoring the film’s exploration of how failures can lead to unexpected triumphs.