Pikkuli and Starlight Reindeer (Dandelooo)

Among the company’s key announcements for Annecy is the acquisition of international sales rights to Pikkuli and Starlight Reindeer, a new animated feature produced by Finnish studios AittoFlow and FIlmkompaniet.  The film is currently in production and scheduled for a theatrical release in Finland this October, with Gebeka Films targeting a Christmas 2027 release in France.

Based on the hit preschool TV series which aired in more than 40 territories worldwide, the 80-minute animated family feature follows the adventures of a brave and determined  little bird Pikkuli in a heartwarming story celebrating friendship, courage and resilience.

It’s almost Christmas in Sunny Moor Woods.  The children wait for Starlight Reindeer, the magical creature who brings gifts and joy.  But when the adults decide to cancel Christmas and the magical star fades away, a stubborn little bird named Pikkuli sets off on a winter adventure with friends to find the Starlight Reindeer and bring back the light.  Through icy landscapes, courage and friendship are tested – and the children discover that the true magic of Christmas comes from togetherness.

The acquisition further strengthens Dandelooo Cinéma’s animation lineup, alongside Acorn’s Adventure a new 3D/CGI family feature produced by Czech studio Pure Shore and German animation house Fabian&Fred, currently scheduled for release in 2028.

Dandelooo Cinéma has also secured a number of new international sales for Born in the Jungle, which has been selected for its worldwide premiere at Annecy.

Recently completed, the 72-minute animated feature has added a raft of new distribution deals  across Europe, including Filmladen (Austria), Gebeka Films (France), Arthouse Traffic (Ukraine), Fivia with MegaCom Film (multiple territories across Southeast Europe), CAY Films (Romania and Moldova), Paradiso Films  (Belgium, Luxemburg and the Netherlands), Risi Film (Portugal), Satine Film (Italy), Outside The Box (Switzerland) and Featherstone (Vietnam).

Co-produced by Atom Art (Latvia), Letko (Poland) and Hausboot (Czech Republic) and targeted at 5- to 8-year-olds and for family audiences, Born in the Jungle is inspired by the book by award-winning Latvian author Luīze Pastore and by the real-life adventures of explorer Aleksander Laime and his family.

At its heart, Born in the Jungle is a story about family, kindness, acceptance and learning to take responsibility for one another and the world around us.

During late 1950s in Venezuela, nine-year-old Elizabeth’s summer break takes a wild turn when her little brother Leo vanishes into the jungle.  She must swap her books for bravery not only to find her brother but also to rescue a mystical furry animal from captivity and bring him back up to the legendary Tepui mountain.

Emmanuèle Pétry, Head of International Sales and Acquisitions at Dandelooo, said:

We are thrilled to bring three new family films to Annecy this year.  Together with our recent acquisitions and new sales, these titles demonstrate the continued growth of our theatrical slate and our commitment to building a strong international presence for high-quality animated features.

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Based at the company’s Paris headquarters, Dandelooo Cinéma is spearheaded by Luna Sirvin, International Sales & Acquisitions Manager (feature films).  With experience in the French and international markets, Luna Sirvin will oversee and expand Dandelooo Cinéma’s activities by acquiring, developing, producing, and marketing animated films for kids and families.

Luna Sirvin, International Sales & Acquisitions Manager – Dandelooo Cinéma (Image via DP:PR)

Commenting on the launch of Dandelooo Cinéma, Emmanučle Pétry, Co-Founder said:

Entering into the cinema space is a natural progression for Dandelooo.  We are passionate about delivering exceptional entertainment and Dandelooo Cinéma allows us to take this commitment to new heights and build and strengthen our content for global audiences.

Luna Sirvin, International Sales & Acquisitions Manager added:

Despite the challenging environment we feel the need to offer uplifting and meaningful stories.  We believe that the quality of an animated film and its message is revealed through the passionate work of local distributors.  This in-depth work is the key to meeting today’s biggest challenge: to keep inviting children into movie theaters.  As an international sales agent, our mission is to offer ambitious animated films which will inspire and enrich the lives of kids around the world.

Dedicated to curating groundbreaking projects and exceptional animated content that inspires and captivates kids and families, Dandelooo Cinéma has a roster of projects in the pipeline for its cinema line up and has just signed the international theatrical rights for three new animated feature films:

Targeted at 5- to 9-year-olds, Hola Frida! a 75-minute feature currently in production is the fictional childhood story of Mexico’s greatest artist.  Set for delivery in September 2024, the film is produced by Haut et Court Distribution (France), Tobo Media (Canada), Du Coup Studio Production (Canada), and directed by Karine Veězina and Andreě Kadi.  It’s the story of a little girl who is different.  Her world is Coyoacan, Mexico City.  Sparkling, vibrant, everything interests her and when difficulties arise, she faces them with an overflowing imagination.  This little girl is called Frida Kahlo.

Currently in production and set for delivery in May 2025, Born in the Jungle (70 minutes), for upper preschool and families is produced by Atom Art (Latvia), Letko (Poland), Hausboot (Czech Republic) and directed by Edmunds Jansons.  During the school summer break, nine-year-old Elisabeth joins her family in the Venezuelan rainforest far away from their Latvian homeland.  When Mum and Dad fly their plane to the city, Elisabeth volunteers to look after her four-year-old brother Leo.  But soon Leo disappears in the thick dark jungle and Elisabeth must bring him back home before their parents return.

Directed by Annecy Jury Prize Winner Hugo de Faucompret and produced by Laďdak Films (France, Germany), Dandelooo (France) and Doghouse Films (Luxembourg) Granny is a Tree! (70 minutes), targeted at the 7+ age group is in development and set for delivery in December 2025.  Granny Onion, Jane’s whimsical grandmother, has taken one last eternal after-lunch nap.  She wrote her last wish in a letter, but Cécile rules against it.  Jane, on the other hand, has decided: she will set off on a wild escape to the edge of the tangible world, alongside her granny’s facetious ghost.

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