ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Phuong Mai Nguyen animates surfing love story 'In Waves'

publication · 2026-05-13

Phuong Mai Nguyen directs 'In Waves', an animated feature film adapted from AJ Dungo's graphic novel of the same name. The film uses vibrant colors to tell a story of a budding romance threatened by illness, driven by the life force of the ocean. The narrative intertwines love and the history of surfing. The film premiered in 2026.

Key facts

  • Phuong Mai Nguyen directed the animated film 'In Waves'
  • The film is adapted from AJ Dungo's graphic novel
  • The story follows a romance threatened by illness
  • Surfing history is a central theme
  • The animation uses vibrant colors
  • The film premiered in 2026
  • The original graphic novel is by American author AJ Dungo
  • The film was covered by Le Monde on July 1, 2026

Entities

Artists

  • Phuong Mai Nguyen
  • AJ Dungo

Institutions

  • Le Monde
  • Cannes Critics' Week

Locations

  • Cannes
  • France

Sources