Feb 16, 2024

A closer look at new animation available at this year's European Film Market

The European Film Market (EFM) is one of the most important events on the European continent for the film industry, along with the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival. Every year, independent films of all sizes are bought by producers and sales agents looking for distributors around the world.

To give audiences an idea of what they can expect in the coming months and years, we have highlighted some of the major animated films that were the talk of this year's EFM.

Directed by Benjamin Muske

This CG sequel is one of the biggest animation projects at EFM, with a budget of $23 million, a hefty sum for an independent film. Featuring many of the same creative team as the first film sold to Netflix in the U.S., Very Old Groundhog was directed by Benjamin Muske from a script by Dave Corrado. Produced by L.A.-based nWave Pictures and Octopolis of Paris in association with Sony Pictures International Releasing.

Directed by Hyper Galactic, a rare original animated IP in this year's EFM lineup, is, according to producer Toei Animation ("Slam Dunk"), "the most ambitious feature film to date." The film's story and characters were co-created by Japanese artists Naoto Oshima and Joseph Chou, designers of Sega's "Sonic the Hedgehog" series. The English-language version is directed by David N. Weiss (writer of "Shrek 2" and "Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius") and features a large voice cast, including Adam Devine, Elsie Fisher, J.K. Simmons and Sam Richardson. Charades launched worldwide sales of the film, which is currently in post-production, in Berlin.

Directed by Zack Passero

While animated films for children and families tend to dominate the EFM, adult-oriented feature films are also consistently shown. This year, Australian-based sales company Odin's Eye will begin selling an expanded version of The Weird Kidz, written, directed, and animated by Zack Passero, with background art by his wife Hannah. Last year, the shortened version was screened at several major film festivals, including Annecy, Sitges, and Frightfest, where it was well received by audiences.

Directed by Kari Juusonen Co-directed by Jorgen Lerdam Jorgen Lerdam

VivaKids has acquired North American rights to the latest film in the Nico franchise by director Kari Juusonen and co-director Jorgen Lerdam. The film is produced by Animaker of Finland and co-produced by Ulysses Films of Germany, Moetion Films of Ireland, and A. Film Production of Denmark. Previous films that have been released theatrically in over 120 countries include "Nico and the Road to the Stars" (2008) and "Nico - Little Brother, You're in Trouble! (2012).

Directed by Ottó Geir Borg

The Playmaker has signed a worldwide distribution deal with GunHil for this kids and family road movie featuring an avian cast. sequel to Ploey - You Never Fly Alone, the late Director Árni Ólafur Ásgeirsson co-wrote the initial screenplay with Otto Geir Borg. The film will be released in the first quarter of 2026.

Director Ute von Münchow-Pohl

Sola Media has signed on as distributor for the sequel to Ute von Münchow-Pohl's 2019 feature The Elfkins - Baking a Difference. The original film was sold to over 200 countries; The Super Elfkins boasts an impressive budget of $9.7 million by European indie standards. Produced by Akkord Film and co-produced by Arx Anima and Seru Animation, the film is scheduled for theatrical release by the end of the year.

Directed by Jesper Moller and Piet de Ricker Co-directors 29]

Montreal/Madrid-based international sales company Pink Parrot Media has teamed with Germany's Zuper Film, Dreamin' Dolphin Film and Traumhaus Studios and Canada's Carpediem Film & TV's co-production of Eli and the Monster Team. Based on the children's book by Klaus Baumgarte, the film is directed by Jesper Moller and Piet de Ricker and co-directed by Jens Moller.

Directed by Mark Gravas

Studio 100 will host market screenings of this animated comedy by Australia's Pop Family Entertainment and Ireland's Telegale. It has already been sold to several major markets, including the U.S., where it is distributed by Viva Kids. Directed by Mark Gravas from a script by Harry Cripps and Cleon Prineas.

Directed by Gonzalo Gutierrez

Studio 100 and Viva Kids have again signed on for this Don Quixote-inspired CG feature produced by Germany's Studio 100 Media and M.A.R.K.13 and GF Films of Argentina. According to Studio 100, Viva plans to release the film in the U.S. in September or October. The Giant of La Mancha is directed by Gonzalo Gutierrez from a screenplay by Carlos Kotkin, Pablo Ricardo Biondi, and Gonzalo Gutierrez.