The Songbird’s Secret

Le Secret des Mésanges

This joyous cutout animation depicts a glorious rural holiday for a nine-year-old, her new friend and a sick baby badger who needs her help.

Screening dates and booking

Check which tickets are still available across the festival – and find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

Credits

  • Director

    Antoine Lanciaux

  • Screenwriters

    Antoine Lanciaux, Pierre-Luc Granjon

  • France 2025. 77min

  • Courtesy of

    France TV Distribution

  • Languages

    French. With English Subtitles

Access information

Live subtitle reading for younger audiences (headphones will be available on request):
Sunday 12 October 11:20

Introduction

Lucie is holidaying in her mother’s hometown of Bectoile. With the help of new friend Yann and two songbirds, Lucie explores the countryside. It’s there that she stumbles across a mysterious figure known as the ‘wizard of the wood’ and discovers some lost family secrets. This lovingly animated treat will bring as much joy to the young as it will to those who accompany them.

Justin Johnson

With thanks to Unifrance

How to book

Tickets start from £10 for all screenings and events in London, with concessions available for many screenings. Booking information and ticket prices.

If you’re aged 16 to 25, sign up for free to BFI 25 and Under for a chance to get £6 tickets to all screenings and events (subject to availability).

Missed out?

More tickets may become available for these screenings before and during the festival. Find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

Our programmers recommend...

Whispers in the Woods

Celebrated wildlife photographer Vincent Munier embarks on a journey, with his father and son, into the heart of a forest whose beauty is transcendent.

Read more about Whispers in the Woods

Animated Shorts for Younger Audiences

The stars of this shorts selection include mushrooms, pigs and capybaras, and feature a feast of different animation styles to captivate all ages.

Read more about Animated Shorts for Younger Audiences

Finding Optel

South African sibling duo Mikayla Joy Brown and Jesse Brown co-direct this heartwarming feature debut, a quirky detective story that skilfully tackles childhood grief.

Read more about Finding Optel