French animation director Michel Ocelot presented his new immersive creation, "Les lapins 3 oreilles," at the planetarium in Rennes on April 8, 2026 [2].

The event marks a significant moment for the 82-year-old filmmaker [1], as he blends musical and poetic elements into a format designed for the unique geometry of a planetarium. By moving beyond traditional cinema screens, Ocelot continues to experiment with the boundaries of visual storytelling.

During the presentation, Ocelot discussed the inspirations and styles that have defined his long career [1]. The director, best known for his work on "Kirikou," used the venue to share insights into his artistic journey and the evolution of his graphic universe [1, 2]. The new work is described as a musical and poetic experience, utilizing the immersive environment of the Rennes planetarium to envelop the audience in its visuals [2].

Ocelot has spent decades refining a style that often draws from global folklore and distinct silhouettes. His appearance in Rennes served as both a premiere for the new project and a retrospective conversation on how his aesthetic has shifted over time [1]. The immersive nature of "Les lapins 3 oreilles" allows the director to play with scale and perspective in ways that standard theatrical releases do not permit [2].

The event in Rennes highlights a continuing trend of veteran animators embracing non-traditional venues to reach new audiences. By integrating music and poetry into a 360-degree visual space, Ocelot said he aims to create a sensory experience that transcends the passive nature of watching a film [1, 2].

“Michel Ocelot presented his new immersive creation, "Les lapins 3 oreilles."”

The transition of a traditional animator like Ocelot into immersive, planetarium-based media reflects a broader shift in the arts toward experiential storytelling. As digital and projection technology evolves, veteran creators are finding that non-linear spaces can breathe new life into classic silhouette and graphic styles, potentially expanding the reach of animation beyond cinema and television.