“As unexpectedly enchanting as its title is initially perplexing, My Life as a Zucchini is short but oh so satisfyingly bittersweet, an example of the kind of movie magic that’s always hard to find.” – Los Angeles Times

A handcrafted stop‑motion treasure, MY LIFE AS A ZUCCHINI is sharp, funny, and quietly devastating—a story about resilience that never sugarcoats pain but still finds room for hope. A shy nine‑year‑old nicknamed Zucchini is sent to a group home after a family tragedy, only to discover a ragtag crew of kids carrying scars of their own. Through awkward friendships, small rebellions, and a budding romance with fierce newcomer Camille, he learns that found family can be just as real as the one you lose. Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Film, ZUCCHINI was co-written by the brilliant Céline Sciamma, director of Portrait of a Lady on Fire, and directed by Claude Barras who conjures a pastel-hued world bursting with pure emotion. Presented in the English-dubbed version, featuring the voices of Nick Offerman, Amy Sedaris, Will Forte and Elliot Page.

But that’s not all! This vegetative double feature also includes the uproarious animated short CIPOLLINO THE ONION BOY! A blast of Soviet slapstick with a political bite, CIPOLLINO turns a garden full of talking produce into a miniature class uprising. The eponymous Onion Boy fights the unjust treatment of his fellow vegetable townsfolk by fruit royalty, Prince Lemon and Lord Tomato, using wit, mischief, and a rebel’s spirit. With bright and bouncy hand-drawn animation, this deceptively clever satire is a 38-minute riot of color, character, and anti‑authoritarian spirit that was a fixture of many Soviet kids’ upbringing.

This screening is part of Arkadin’s April 2026 series, HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?—featuring botanical wonders, homicidal flora, and secret gardens for you to make your escape.

Each month, DRAWN VISIONS presents an outré gem from the wild, wonderful world of animation. Focusing on the strange, the underseen, and the unclassifiable, this series proves cartoons aren’t just for kids, they’re for total freaks too!

Arkadin does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. However, we encourage researching titles to determine if a screening may contain content that could be upsetting to you. Please feel free to contact us for guidance on specific films. Information about content can also be found on Common Sense Media, IMDB and DoesTheDogDie.com, as well as through general internet searches.