Shout! Factory and Urban Distribution International have entered an exclusive deal to distribute European animated feature Long Way North in the United States. A theatrical release through Shout! Factory Kids is slated for fall 2016, with Shout! Factory in possession of U.S. distribution rights for broadcast, VOD, digital and home entertainment as well.
Long Way North (Tout en Haut du Monde) is directed by Rémi Chayé (The Secret of Kells) and produced by Sacrebleu Prod. (Madagascar, Carnet de Voyage), Maybe Movies (Ernest & Celestine) and Norlum Studios (Song of the Sea). The film won the Audience Award at the 2015 Annecy International Animated Film Festival, and has screened at top festivals around the word. Long Way North will have its North American premiere at the New York International Children’s Film Festival (Feb. 26 – March 20).
Long Way North is set in late 19th century Saint Petersburg, where Sasha, a young daughter of the Russian aristocracy, dreams of the Great North and anguishes over the fate of her grandfather Olukine — a renowned scientist and Arctic explorer who has yet to return from his latest expedition to the North Pole. But Sasha’s parents have already decided her fate with a betrothal arrangement. Defying them, Sasha runs away from home on an incredible quest to the North in search of Olukine and his ship.
The English language voice cast features Chloé Dunn, Vivienne Vermes, Peter Hudson, Antony Hickling, Tom Perkins, Geoffrey Greenhill, Claire Harrison-Bullett, Bibi Jacob, Martin Lewis, Tom Morton, Leslie Clack, Kester Lovelace and Damian Corcoran. French voice cast include Christa Théret, Feodor Atkine, Thomas Sagols, Rémi Caillebot, Audrey Sablé, Fabirn Briche, Gabriel Le Doze and Boris Rehlinger.
Rémi Chayé directs from a script written by Claire Paoletti and Patricia Valeix; co-producers are Jean-Michel Spiner, Claus Toksvig Kjaer, Frederik Villumnsen; executive producers are Ron Dyens and Henri Magalon.
