Lily Gilliam’s voice is echoing far beyond St. Johns County — and into International film festivals.
The eleven-year-old Nocatee resident voices the title role in a new animated film currently in theaters, “Little Amelie or the Character of Rain” (2025).
The coming-of-age drama is based on the autobiographical novel by Amélie Nothomb. The original animated adaptation is in French, and Gilliam voices the English dub, which was released Nov. 7 and distributed by GKIDS.
Little Amelie or the Character of Rain holds a near perfect 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has already garnered several prestigious awards.
But Lily’s mother, Michelle Gilliam, is most excited about one particular accolade: the Audience Award at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. She says the honor could signal a potential Oscar nomination.
A teacher at Global Leadership Academy in Duval County, Gilliam knows she’s a bit biased — but said the film’s creativity merits the critical acclaim its received thus far.
“It’s done in a very unique way,” she says. “It’s a very, very beautiful film, and well animated.”
Michelle said Lily has always been a vibrant, energetic kid — she’s loved singing, dancing and acting for as long as she can remember.
The Gilliams moved to Nocatee 10 years ago, and Lily’s been active in the performing arts for much of that time. Gilliam began homeschooling her to accommodate her often hectic schedule.
Thankfully, Gilliam said Crop Creative Media in Jacksonville offers a convenient recording studio, so the family doesn’t have to travel as frequently for Lily’s acting roles.
The precocious youngster started her musical theater at just 8 years old at Christ Episcopal Church’s Creative Academy and later at Global Leadership Academy.
“She’s a natural entertainer,” her mother said.
Lily recalled the surreal thrill of hearing herself on the big screen for the first time.
“It was my very first time hearing my voice in a movie theater and I hope I get to do it again soon!” she said in an Instagram post on Nov. 7.
“Little Amelie or the Character of Rain” is currently showing at AMC, Cinemark and Regal theaters in Jacksonville through Thursday, Nov. 13.
It’s expected to be available for streaming on Apple TV next month.
Audiences can look forward to Gilliam’s work in an upcoming film that shifts away from the heartwarming animated genre — she’s playing a lead role in a live-action horror movie, “The Wretched Devours” (a sequel to 2020’s “The Wretched”).
