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.

The post Annecy 2026: Dandelooo Cinéma expands theatrical slate with ‘Pikkuli and Starlight Reindeer’ appeared first on Skwigly Animation Magazine.

Butterfly Kiss

Directed by Zohar Dvir (Mercury’s Retrograde), the Oscar-qualifying queer animated short arrives online following an exceptional festival journey. The film won the Gold Hugo Award at the Chicago International Film Festival on its first selection, earning eligibility for the 2026 Academy Awards.

Butterfly Kiss follows Carol, who panics and quarrels with her girlfriend Ray after an unexpected proposal. When Carol awakens to an apocalyptic reality in which Ray has transformed into a butterfly, the boundaries between their home and the chaotic outside world collapse. Ray’s metamorphosis and the rising tension between them threaten their relationship, forcing Carol to confront the possibility of losing the person she loves — and the sacrifices that devotion may demand.

Exploring themes of identity, transformation, and anxiety, the film blends body-horror with surreal animation to examine the emotional complexities of commitment, vulnerability, and self-acceptance. While echoing the long cinematic tradition of tragic queer romances, Butterfly Kiss reimagines the narrative, allowing its lovers to evolve and stay together.

The co-production between The Hive Studio and Fabian&Fred highlights the creative strength of international collaboration, with each studio contributing complementary expertise to craft a short film that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

At its core, Butterfly Kiss reflects a deeply human experience and the psychological and social struggles that accompany the search for belonging, love, and understanding. We are honoured that this co-production with our friends at Fabian&Fred has received Oscar-qualifying status and thrilled to share this beautiful work of art with audiences for the first time, following its run at over 70 festivals worldwide.

Amit Russell Gicelter, Founder & CEO, The Hive Studio

This film is a reflection of the strong and authentic personal touch of the filmmaker’s vision. Zohar delves deep into the innermost feelings of a romantic relationship and the uncomfortable feeling of self-doubt. Combined with the use of both 3D animation and TV-Paint for the hand-drawn 2D animation, this created the film’s angular world that perfectly supports its core narrative.

Fabian Driehorst, Co-founder, Fabian&Fred

The post Queer Animated Short Butterfly Kiss Selected for Vimeo Staff Picks After Award-Winning Festival Run appeared first on Skwigly Animation Magazine.

Animated using 2D digital processes in style meticulously honed to replicate traditional woodcut techniques, Däwit tells the story of its titular protagonist, a young boy who escapes his violent home life to be raised by wolves, later returning to the world only to find himself disenchanted by it once grown. Keen to seek out his own sense of identity, Däwit embarks on a fraught journey of self-discovery and forgiveness.

You can learn more about how David and Sophie’s film came together in Fabien&Fred’s comprehensive Making-of video (watch below):

For more work from Fabian&Fred visit fabianfred.com

The post WATCH: ‘Däwit’ by David Jansen & Sophie Biesenbach (Fabian&Fred) appeared first on Skwigly Animation Magazine.