DANDELOOO AND VIVI FILM TEAM UP FOR "THE UPSIDE DOWN RIVER" SERIES

French animation production and distribution company Dandelooo and independent Belgian film production company Vivi Film announce a partnership to co-produce and co-finance the new animated series "The Upside Down River" (9x26’).

Dandelooo’s animation studio Ooolala in la Cartoucherie, Valence (France) will produce the new 2D animation in co-operation with Canal+ Family.  Directed by Paul Leluc ("The Wolf", "The Long Long Holiday"), the series targeted at 8 to 12 year olds will commence production at the end of this year.  Delivery is set for mid 2023, with Dandelooo responsible for worldwide distribution.

"The Upside Down River" is adapted from the amazing children’s novel "La rivière à l’envers" by leading French children’s author Jean Claude Mourlevat, winner of the 2021 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA). Jean-Claude Mourlevat is the first French laureate to receive this year's award, the world's largest prize for children's literature.

Commenting on the co-production partnership, Veerle Appelmans, Producer at Vivi Film said, “We have a heart for authentic imagery and touching stories.  That is why we fell head over heels for 'Upside Down River'!  We look forward to co-producing this poetic and beautiful coming of age series."

Emmanuèle Pétry Sirvin, Co-Founder of Dandelooo, added, “My partner Jean-Baptiste Wery and I are so excited to be able to bring to 'screen life' this wonderful book, the kind of story you will always remember your whole life.  It’s so rare to find a magical composition of adventure, friendship, fantasy, nature and strong emotions and we feel privileged that Jean Claude has accepted our desire to adapt his masterpiece and to collaborate with Vivi Film on this amazing project.”