Germany’s Studio 100 Film is adding a new project to its animated feature slate: North. Produced by PictoryLand, the Norwegian CGI film is currently in pre-production with delivery planned for Q4 2024, just in time for the holiday season. Studio 100 Film will cover all worldwide film sales except for the Scandinavian territories and will introduce the project, showing the first teaser as well as character and location designs, at this year’s Marché du Film in Cannes (May 16-24).
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” the 85-minute family adventure follows a young girl named Gerda on a dangerous mission to save her best friend Kai from the Snow Queen’s icy grip. North is directed by Bente Lohne and produced by Haakon Gundersen (Flight of the Navigator, Free Jimmy).
Young Gerda sets off into the great unknown in search of her friend Kai, who has mysteriously vanished. On her journey, Gerda makes friends with people, birds, beasts and a kind witch, unaware that a hostile, unseen enemy, the Snow Queen and her devil apprentice, Luiz, are watching her. The evil queen keeps Kai prisoner in her ice palace way up north in Finnmark, Norway. Together, Gerda and Kai escape from her clutches, arriving back home just in time for the happiest winter holiday ever.
Joining the production as a consulting producer is Academy Award winner and Pixar co-founder Ralph Guggenheim (Toy Story). “There is a long tradition in animation of taking classic stories from the past and re-telling them in new ways for a new generation,” notes Guggenheim. “North takes its inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Snow Queen’ as a contemporary adventure for family audiences everywhere. I am thrilled to be working with PictoryLand and Studio 100 on this exciting new project!”
Thorsten Wegener, Head of Business Operations, Studio 100 Films, adds, “We feel extremely inspired to add North to our slate and introduce audiences to the magical world of Gerda and the Snow Queen. The film’s heartwarming story, stunning animation and talented cast and crew make it a must-see for families during the holiday season in 2024 and beyond.”
The project’s team of talented animators, composers and sound designers aims to bring not only the natural wonder of Norwegian landscapes to the big screen, but also a vision of the Snow Queen’s magical realm. “We are excited to partner with Studio 100 Film to bring North to audiences worldwide,” says producer Haakon Gundersen. “The film’s themes of love, friendship, and perseverance are timeless, and we can’t wait to share Gerda’s journey with the world.”
