Studiocanal Unveils Animated Adaptation Of Controversial ‘The Rainbow Fish’ Children’s Book

The synopsis for the film adaptation reads: “With his shimmering scales, the Rainbow Fish is the most beautiful fish in the entire ocean. But he is also vain and proud, which alienates the other fish. As a result, he becomes increasingly lonely. When he eventually loses one of his beloved glittering scales, it is none other than the Little Blue fish who accompanies him on the search into the deepest parts of the ocean. An adventurous journey begins – and the Rainbow Fish learns that together we are much braver than alone, and that true friendship is more precious than the most magnificent coat of scales.”

Writer Pfister has said the story is ultimately about the beauty of sharing, but recent detractors have said it sends out mixed messages about individuality, acceptance, coercion and boundaries, in turn sparking debates over cancel culture.

This has not stopped Studiocanal putting their heft behind the animated adaptation.

“The Rainbow Fish carries a universal message that is understood and loved all over the world. It is a great joy for us to reinterpret this special story together with our partners as a major cinematic experience for audiences of all ages,” said Studiocanal Germany co-heads Hooman Afshari and Lutz Rippe.

The creative team also took on board some of the recent conversations to put the original book’s intended core message more clearly to the forefront. This resulted in a deliberate shifting of certain emphases, new characters being introduced, and other adjustments.

The film’s feature-length duration also allowed the team to explore the message of the original book in more depth.