From left, director Ben Blanchard, Issac Garza, second assistant cinematographer, and E.B. White, played by Nicholas Saenz, celebrate their invitation to premiere at Cannes.

Acadiana native Ben Blanchard, son of Janet Faulk-Gonzales, CEO of the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce, has accepted an invitation to preview his first short film at Court Métrage, the short film corner at Festival de Cannes, France. Blanchard wrote and directed the film and is creative director of Lüftfield Studio in Austin, Texas, producers of the project.

“Bunny & Non-bunnyness” is a surreal comedy short film inspired by the idea of the Easter Bunny going through an existential crisis. Told through the story of an anthropomorphized pop artist, E.B. White, “Bunny & Non-Bunnyness” is about believing in oneself and creating art despite critics.

Blanchard and producer Alexa Gabrielle Ramirez raised the funds for the film last summer and immediately began auditions and production. The lead role of E.B. White was played by Nicholas Saenz, best known for this recurring role in John Ridley’s “American Crime.”

Saenz was transformed into E.B. White through the talent of Hawgfly Productions, special effects make-up artists. The full cast and crew can be viewed at IMDb.com

The Court Métrage will identify Blanchard, an accredited attendee providing the opportunity to network with all the biggest industry players including institutions, financiers and the most important international reps in the film business.

“Bunny & Non-bunnyness” will be previewed May 20 at Cannes.

Blanchard is a 2003 graduate of New Iberia Senior High and attended Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. He lives and works in Austin where he is a member of the Austin Film Society.