Global Screen has closed further deals on major territories for its animated adventure film “Niko – Beyond the Northern Lights.” Variety debuts the new teaser (below).
Viva Kids has acquired all rights for North America to the latest feature film in the franchise about a flying reindeer, following worldwide hits “Niko & the Way to the Stars” (2008) and “Niko – Little Brother, Big Trouble” (2012), which were sold to more than 120 countries.
Further deals were concluded with Flins y Piniculas for Spain, CDC for Latin America, Nos Lusomundo for Portugal, Grand Entertainment for the Middle East and SVOE Kino for Ukraine.
As previously announced, the film has already been picked up by Kino Swiat for Poland, Bluelabel for South Korea, Just4Kids for the Benelux, GPI for the Baltic states, Karantanija for ex-Yugoslavia, Vertigo for Hungary, Zinos Panagiotidis for Greece, Bad Unicorn for Romania, Bohemia Motion Pictures for Slovakia and the Czech Republic, Pro Film for Bulgaria, Bir Film for Turkey and Bac Films in France.
Nordisk Film will be the first to release the film theatrically, kicking off distribution in Scandinavia on Oct. 11, 2024, and extending into the holiday season.
In this new adventure, the flying boy reindeer Niko’s biggest dream is to become a member of Santa’s Flying Forces. But he gets challenged by a super talented reindeer girl, Stella, who shatters that dream. Niko has to decide between trust and loyalty.
The film is directed by Kari Juusonen with co-director Jørgen Lerdam.
“Niko – Beyond the Northern Lights” is a major European co-production, like the previous films in the franchise. It reunites Hannu Tuomainen and Antti Haikala at Finnish company Animaker with co-producers Emely Christians of Germany’s Ulysses Films (“The Amazing Maurice,” “Two by Two: Overboard!”), Moe Honan of Ireland’s Moetion Films (“Two by Two: Overboard!”) and Anders Mastrup of the Danish company A. Film Production (“Checkered Ninja 2”).
Klaus Rasmussen, head of theatrical international sales and acquisitions, said: “Global Screen is thrilled to continue its longstanding partnership with Viva Kids in the U.S., a steady partner and trusted collaborator. Our gratitude extends to all our ‘Niko’ distributors, who passionately champion the presence of independent animations in challenging times. This confirms that independent animations have their space in the market.”
Laura Prieto, VP acquisitions at Viva Kids, added: “We are so happy to continue our partnership with Global Screen, who share our commitment to independent animation studios. ‘Niko – Beyond the Northern Lights’ will bring joy and adventure to the entire family and we are thrilled to offer all audiences a new film to incorporate into their holiday traditions.”
