BUENOS AIRES -- Argentine director Jose Luis Massa, best known for 2001 boffo kiddie movie "Chiquititas," has started lensing animated epic "Patoruzito."
Pablo Bossi's Patagonik Film Group -- a Buenos Aires-based outfit backed by Walt Disney's Buena Vista Intl., Argentina's Grupo Clarin and Spain's Admira -- is producing the $1 million project.
Argentina's Red Logo Entertainment and local broadcaster Telefe, a unit of Admira, are also involved in the production.
Pic is based on Axel Nacher's 75-year-old cartoon about a boy and his family in the Patagonian outback.
Adapted for the screen by Omar Quiroga ("Condor Crux"), "Patoruzito" is skedded for July release.
Buena Vista will handle distribution.
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