Zsazsa Zaturnnah: Filipino-French Queer Superhero Set for World Premiere at Annecy

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The international animation stage is about to get a vibrant, flamboyant infusion of Pinoy pride. Zsazsa Zaturnnah, the highly anticipated Filipino-French animated feature, is officially set to make its world premiere at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France.

Selected for the festival’s “Midnight Specials” program—a category reserved for bold, edgy, and adult-targeted works—the film marks a significant milestone for both Southeast Asian storytelling and LGBTQ+ representation in animation.

A Cult Icon Reimagined

Based on the beloved graphic novel by Carlo Vergara, Zsazsa Zaturnnah tells the story of Ada, a shy, small-town gay beautician in the Philippines who has faced a string of heartbreaks. His life changes forever when a magical meteorite crashes from outer space. Upon swallowing the stone, Ada transforms into Zsazsa Zaturnnah: a powerful, statuesque female superhero with flaming red hair and superhuman strength.

While the premise is packed with campy fun and high-stakes action—pitting Zsazsa against the villainous “Amazonistas” from outer space—the heart of the story remains Ada’s personal journey. It is a narrative about self-acceptance, the courage to stand out, and the vulnerability of learning to love again.

Creative Powerhouses Behind the Scenes

The film is a collaborative effort between the Philippines and France, produced by Rocketsheep Studio (Philippines) and Ghosts City Films (France), with international sales handled by SC Films.

At the helm is Avid Liongoren, the celebrated Filipino filmmaker known for his unique visual style and irreverent humor. Liongoren previously gained international acclaim with You Animal! (Hayop Ka!), which was acquired by Netflix and also enjoyed a presence at Annecy. With Zsazsa Zaturnnah, Liongoren utilizes an exuberant 2D animation style that captures the kinetic energy and colorful aesthetic of the original source material.

A Stellar Voice Cast

The film features a talented lineup of Filipino voices, including:

  • Phi Palmos (Kintsugi)

  • Adrienne Vergara (You Animal!)

  • Io Balanon

  • Sig Pecho (Esprit de Corps)

  • Joelle Yuvienco (The Animals)

Why This Premiere Matters

The inclusion of Zsazsa Zaturnnah in the Annecy lineup is more than just a festival win; it highlights the growing global appetite for diverse, queer-centric narratives in adult animation. By blending traditional superhero tropes with specific Filipino cultural nuances and LGBTQ+ themes, the film offers a perspective rarely seen in mainstream animated features.

As the “Midnight Specials” program prepares to spotlight this queer superhero, Zsazsa Zaturnnah is poised to prove that girl power—and queer power—is a universal language that resonates far beyond the shores of the Philippines.