Posted by Independent Shorts Awards is proud to announce Little Bunny Poop, a 17-minute film directed by French filmmaker Roméo Abolin, as the recipient of Best Foreign Language Short of the Season for the April 2025 round.
The award highlights the film’s universal appeal and its ability to capture the essence of youthful love through a poetic and intimate lens. Set against the sun-soaked hills of Provence, Little Bunny Poop explores the blossoming relationship between two children during a transformative summer, capturing the innocence and passion of their growing connection.
Abolin, originally from the Paris region, moved to Cannes to study audiovisual arts. It was in the Mediterranean sun that he discovered his love for the region’s natural beauty—the scents of thyme and lavender, and the simplicity of life it offers. Drawing inspiration from the works of French filmmaker Marcel Pagnol, Abolin sought to encapsulate the purity and tenderness of rural life, crafting a narrative that speaks of young love framed by the beauty of southern France.
The story follows two children—a boy and a girl, played by Charles Abolin and Manon Reynaud—who spend their summer days together, basking in the warmth of Provence. As the days stretch on, their friendship gradually deepens into something more profound. Their playful interactions evolve into a tender, passionate bond. Through the simplicity of their connection, Abolin explores love in its purest form—untouched by the complications of adulthood but powerful in its innocence.
Abolin’s dedication to authenticity is evident in every frame. Cinematographer Mathieu Müller’s work beautifully captures the rugged landscape of Provence and the growing intensity of the children’s relationship. The film’s visual richness brings the story to life, making it an emotionally stirring experience that transports viewers to the sun-drenched hills of southern France.
Little Bunny Poop was produced in September 2024 after months of location scouting. At just 19 years old, Abolin led a passionate team, many of whom were fellow students and emerging talents, further emphasizing the youthful spirit that permeates the film. Being chosen by the Independent Shorts Awards for its first festival official selection marks an exciting start to the film’s journey, signaling its universal appeal and the promise of future successes.
“I began working on Little Bunny Poop in February 2024, driven by a deep affection for Provence and my childhood memories of the region,” Abolin explains. “This film is a tribute to the love, simplicity, and innocence I’ve always associated with the French countryside.” With this heartfelt acknowledgment, it’s clear that Abolin’s personal connection to the material breathes life into the story, making it resonate deeply on an emotional level.
Little Bunny Poop is not just a coming-of-age story; it’s a celebration of young love, captured with sensitivity and depth. It is a testament to the filmmaker’s ability to evoke universal emotions through a personal and intimate lens. With this recognition, Abolin has proven himself to be a filmmaker with a unique voice—one that blends youthful passion with timeless beauty. The film’s success at the Independent Shorts Awards is only the beginning of what promises to be a bright future in filmmaking.
The film has qualified for the 2025 Annual Awards, which will take place on September 6 at Regal LA Live in Los Angeles, where Little Bunny Poop will be screened.
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