AceShowbiz - Kid Koala's directorial debut, Space Cadet, is set to open in select theaters on November 13, 2026, distributed by Viva Kids. The dialogue-free animated film is based on Kid Koala's 2011 graphic novel of the same name and features an original score by the director himself, with contributions from Karen O and Emilíana Torrini.

The film tells the story of astronaut Celeste, who embarks on her first solo mission into space, leaving behind Robot, the guardian who raised her. Alone for the first time, each must confront what it means to let go. As Robot faces an empty nest and Celeste the perils of space, memory becomes their only compass, and Robot is losing its way. The synopsis describes it as a visually stunning meditation on connection and solitude, told entirely through image and music.

Kid Koala, also known as Eric San, is a director, film composer, and graphic novelist who has released five solo albums. He has contributed to several feature film soundtracks, including The Great Gatsby, Looper, Baby Driver, and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. As a scratch DJ, he has toured with Radiohead, Beastie Boys, and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and has collaborated with Gorillaz, Deltron 3030, and Emilíana Torrini. He is also known for his imaginative live performances and has written and illustrated the award-winning graphic novels Nufonia Must Fall and Space Cadet.

The music for Space Cadet features Kid Koala alongside Karen O, Mariana 'Ladybug' Vieira, Emilíana Torrini, Martha Wainwright, Meagan Smith, and Trixie Whitley. The production company is OUTSIDERS Film, with Ginette Petit producing and Nathalie Bissonnette, Ginette Petit, and Michel Pradier serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Mylène Chollet. The film runs 86 minutes and is presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio within a 16:9 frame, with 5.1 sound. It is a Canada production and is dialogue-free.

Space Cadet has garnered awards and festival recognition. It was an Official Selection at the Festival de cinéma en famille de Québec (FCEQ) in Canada, where it won the Professional Jury Awards for Best Film and Best Director, as well as the Youth Jury Award for Best Original Score. The film was also an Official Competition Selection at the Young Horizons International Film Festival in the Discoveries Film Competition in Poland, where it received a Special Mention. Additionally, it was an Official Selection at the Rendez-vous du Cinéma Québécois (RVCQ) 2026 in Canada, where it won the 2026 Young Jury Award.

New film clips have been released to promote the film: 'Origami Challenge', 'Defense Mode', 'EUREKA!', 'Orange Cat Inspires', and 'Graduation Day'. These clips offer a glimpse into the film's visual storytelling and are available in vertical formats for social media.

Viva Kids is a leading independent all-rights distributor and production studio dedicated to delivering world-class entertainment to global audiences. With a diverse portfolio of acquired and original films in production, Viva strives to captivate viewers, fostering a love for storytelling and cinema across genres. Recent successes include The Amazing Maurice, which Viva debuted at the Sundance Film Festival before its wide theatrical release, Night of the Zoopocalypse, and The Pout Pout Fish. Viva Pictures has an equity interest in the 3D animation studio 3Doubles Producciones, Kazoo Films Distribution in the United Kingdom, and continues to develop a slate of new productions.

Space Cadet opens in select theaters on November 13, 2026.