Gutsy Animations’ internationally celebrated, Emmy nominated animated series Moominvalley (13 x 22’) has been recommissioned for a fourth season by its anchor broadcasters Sky (U.K.) and YLE (Finland). Additionally, and new for Season 4, Viaplay Group has boarded the series as a co-production partner and will air all four seasons on its Viaplay streaming platform in multiple territories, including Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland and the Netherlands.
Produced by Gutsy Animations, Moominvalley is based on the Moomin stories by Finnish-Swedish author and artist Tove Jansson. Season 4 is set to launch in late 2024 and will be directed by Nigel Davies (Shaun the Sheep), who has worked on previous seasons of Moominvalley and will take the title of Series Director for the new instalment.
Described as a whimsical coming-of-age story of family and friendship, Moominvalley is set in the Moomins’ titular home, an idyllic place where the kindly trolls live in harmony with nature. Season 4’s 13 new episodes “will be full of unexpected, dangerous and hilarious adventures, each inspired by the importance of taking care of the environment and finding a more sustainable way of living,” culminating as the valley faces its greatest threat yet (inspired by one of the most famous Moomin storylines): a comet
speeding towards them.
“As creatives, we’re driven to tell stories that can inspire and bring hope — which is exactly what we aim to do through Moominvalley. The series echoes Tove’s work in encouraging values such as respect for nature, kindness, and acceptance among audiences of all ages, so we’re very grateful to have the opportunity to continue doing so with this Season 4 greenlight,” said Marika Makaroff, Gutsy Animations’ Chief Creative Officer and Moominvalley executive producer. “Alongside our long-standing and supportive partners Sky and YLE, it’s fantastic to welcome Viaplay Group on board and for them to join us in the next chapter of Moominvalley’s incredible global journey.”
Moominvalley has been sold to over 60 countries to date, including Finland (YLE), U.K. (Sky), Japan (NHK) and Germany (ZDF). The series was recently awarded the ‘Audience Episodic Award’ at the New York International Children’s Film Festival 2022 and was also nominated for the British Animation Awards 2022. Additionally, season three of Moominvalley was awarded the Albert certification in recognition of Gutsy Animations’ sustainable production processes.
