Mary Anning

Mary Anning / Mary Anning, chasseuse de fossils (7+) 

Marcel Barelli, Switzerland, Belgium, 2025, 72′, dubbed in Slovene 

The animated film depicts the paleontologist Mary Anning at the age of twelve. Curious, brave, and unruly, the girl defies the rules and norms of her time, and grows up to become one of the first female scientists. Her research has significantly contributed to our understanding of evolution, and her life story encourages us to follow our own path and pursue our interests. 

The Story 
The year is 1811. Twelve-year-old Mary Anning lives with her mother and brother in an outlying village on the south-west coast of the British Isles. A fearless girl, she is always challenging religious dogmas, and her mischievousness bewilders the adults around her. Her innate curiosity draws her to the sea and the cliffs, where, day after day, she searches for fossils with her brother and her little dog. Her enthusiasm for fossils was passed on to her by her father, who one day disappeared without a trace, leaving behind an odd drawing. Mary is determined to solve the mystery of her father’s drawing. She embarks on an adventure in which she discovers the power of true friendship and learns that fossils can help us understand the Earth’s geological past and its evolution. She discovers the beginnings of a scientific discipline: palaeontology! 

About Mary Anning 
Mary Anning was an English palaeontologist, a lifelong lover and researcher of fossils, who made a significant contribution to the understanding of evolution. Her research is highly valued in modern science. You may not yet know that researcher Rok Gašparič became the first Slovenian scientist to receive the prestigious international Mary Anning Award 2025 for his long-term scientific research in the field of palaeontology. 

First-hand 
»I also wanted to make a film about a character who goes somewhat against the current, someone historically a bit anachronistic. Mary Anning is a woman, she is poor, and she digs around in the mud even though it is frowned upon. Her consistency is a strength, something exemplary. She conveys a positive strength that I wanted to translate into the film: she holds on and continues doing what she loves, something that is right and important.« — Marcel Barelli 

About the Creator
Marcell Barelli is a Swiss author of animated films and picture books. He was born in Ticino and now lives in Geneva. He is known for his short films, which foreground unusual characters, animals, nature, and families from the traditions of the Italian community from which he originates. His films have been nominated for, and awarded prizes at, numerous film festivals around the world. 

Film and archaeology walk 
After the screening, join us for a walk to the Archaeological Park San Simon to learn about the differences and similarities between archaeology and palaeontology, and gain a deeper understanding of the lives of the Romans, who lived there from the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE. 

Admission is free for the walk.