Japanese animation company Madhouse Entertainment and the French company Denis Friedman Productions will produce Yona Yona Penguin, a CGI-animated feature to be directed by Rintaro (Metropolis, Captain Herlock) currently slated for a December 2008 release in Japan.

The fantasy cartoon will follow the adventure of three children who end up on an enchanted island and encounter a special penguin.

Producers hope to take advantage of Japanese style anime under the direction of Rintaro and combine it with the French strength in 3D CGI animation.

The budget for the film is a relatively low $12 million, not including dubbing costs. Yona Yona Penguin will be produced in three original versions in French, English and Japanese.