How Real World Locations Shaped Dordogne, a Peaceful Narrative Adventure Set in Southwest France

Hi everyone, I’m Cédric Babouche, the art director behind DordogneA heartfelt story told in watercolors. This indie film has been developed by the French animation studio Un Je Ne Sais Quoi for several years. It will be released on June 13, 2013! You’ll play as Mimi, a 32-year-old in search of her childhood memories back where she used to spend her summers as a child. This bucolic area of Dordogne is located in the south-west of France.

Our starting point when we began the project was to write a story about a family. In our first sketches and drafts of the story, we often mentioned my childhood summers in southwest France. This region was a natural fit for us. It was this connection with my roots that allowed us to write a heartfelt tale in line with the theme.

We traveled together to the area so that everyone could get a sense of what it was like. We visited the famous sites that make up a lot of Dordogne’s identity, but we also spent time away from the obvious spots to get a distance from traditional postcard material and get closer to the experience of daily life there: meeting people in the market, feeling the presence of the river.

As a result, you will get to visit some real-world locations, such as Sarlat, La Roque-Gageac, Castelnau-la-Chapelle, and, of course, the Dordogne River. These weren’t locations that we initially planned to include – the story came first and the real-world locations that you get to visit were picked based on our story’s needs. So, we would first think: ‘Let’s go to the market,’ and then, ‘Let’s make it Sarlat’s market, because it’s so iconic.’ Similarly, we would add a sequence on a kayak, and then decided to go by La-Roque-Gageac, because the magical experience of discovering its sight from the River is so emblematic.

So, DordogneIt gives you the feeling of being in the area and seeing the places that make up its character. The tranquility of the countryside and its villages creates a feeling of peace. Hand-painted watercolour renditions of the idyllic surroundings help convey a sense of calmness. To capture the spontaneity of each place and to give it that magical presence, we drew small thumbnail sketches in front of actual scenes. Sound and music are also a part of the experience, as you will hear recordings from nature as well as an ambient score by French band Supernaive. DordogneIt has a warm, melancholic Ghibli feel, but it is not the usual orchestral score.

Dordogne Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. It’s a perfect moment to take a trip to Dordogne with Mimi. We hope you’re ready to spend a wholesome moment in the south of France!

Dordogne

Focus Entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

Experience a narrative journey with a story that is unique and will awaken all your senses.

As Mimi, explore the memories of your past and those shared with your grandmother. Face your choices as an adult with childhood memories and uncover family secrets.

Discover the Dordogne in a million summer colours, with hand-painted environments. Recall the sights, sounds, smells and sensations you experienced during your journey. Recount these vivid memories in your journal as a recollection of Mimi’s family past that’s unique to your experience and a nostalgic, touching reflection of your journey.

• Explore the stunning landscapes of Dordogne in hand-painted watercolors
• Embark on a unique and heartwarming narrative experience
• Awaken your senses as you explore childhood memories
• Collect photos, sounds and scents to create your journal, unique to your adventure