The Lovers

The Lovers (2026)



8.0 2026 15 min —

Director: A. S. Siopao

Cast: Vanille Velasquez, Dawn M. Bennett

Fantasy Horror Romance Thriller
In the heart of Binondo, Manila, Sara Lim Baylon never wanted to be a seafood chef. As the youngest ever to take the reins of her family’s restaurant, she’s crushed by the weight of her late father’s legendary name and the fight to keep their doors open. Everything changes when the governor’s inauguration dinner is booked at their spot—with a mythical sirena as the show-stopping main course. But instead of serving the creature, Sara plunges into a perilous, magnetic romance with the enchanted being, risking everything she’s fought to save.

More About This Film

The Lovers is a 2026 animated short centered on the idea of romance and connection, using animation to explore the emotional space between two people. Its short-form structure allows the film to focus on mood, visual storytelling, and a concentrated emotional premise.

The project was selected for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, placing it within one of the world's most important showcases for animated cinema. Beyond its festival presence, detailed information about the wider release and production team remains limited.

  • The film is a short rather than a feature-length production.
  • It premiered in France at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 23, 2026.
  • The title emphasizes romantic connection as its central theme.
  • Its appearance at Annecy gives it a notable animation-festival context.

Where to Watch

As a festival-oriented animated short, online availability may be more limited than that of mainstream features.