"Mila"
On the heels of the recent news from Rai (Italy) announcing the return to local screens of the touching animated war-story short "Mila", distributor Pink Parrot Media is joining the Ukrainian anti-war effort as well, seeking to expand the short’s release on more international screens by offering limited broadcast and streaming rights for free for 30 days for sales secured thereafter, PPM will donate a portion of sales to Kids Entertainment Professionals for Young Refugees (KEPYR), the grassroots children’s media nonprofit currently raising funds in support of UNICEF's emergency relief efforts in Ukraine.
RTE in Ireland, LTV in Latvia, and NHK in Japan have joined in, most recently securing the broadcast rights, to share the timely film with their local audiences. "Mila" is directed by Cinzia Angelini ("Hitpig") and produced by Andrea Emmes, the film was created by more than 350 volunteer artists in 35 different countries and co-produced by PepperMax Films, Pixel Cartoon, IbiscusMedia, Cinesite, and Aniventure. "Mila" tells the story of a young girl caught in the chaos of World War II. The film was the first broadcast in the fall of 2021(Italy) and produced in association with Unicef Italy. The free distribution initiative is bolstered by Luca Milano at RAI Ragazzi and the European Broadcasting Association.
The Mila production team was comprised of four core groups in the U.S.A, Italy, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Professional artists in Italy, Australia, Mexico, India, France, Belgium, Poland, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Nigeria, Egypt, Brazil, Spain, and more contributed in a variety of ways voluntarily.
Pink Parrot Media will seek additional buyers' interest at this year’s MIPTV 2022, in Cannes next month. “This animated short offers a compelling message about hope and perseverance,” noted Tanya Pinto Da Cunha, Partner/Vice President and Head of International Sales & Acquisitions. “A story that reminds us about the children whose lives are shattered when caught in the crossfire of war. Comprised of stunning visuals and captivating music, ‘Mila’, shares a universal message that is so important during this difficult time in Ukraine that is touching us globally. We hope that broadcasters will see this as a globally collective effort and take the opportunity we are offering to share this special animated film with their audiences.”
“I decided to write and direct 'Mila' to remind everyone that civilians, and children, in particular, are the first victims of any front line. The film was inspired by my mothers’ resilience as a child during WWII. I could never have imagined that in 2022, we would see such horrors unfold in Ukraine. Our entire team of artists, producers, and I hope that ‘Mila’ can help these kids cope with what they are witnessing, can inspire a conversation, and let them be hopeful for a better future.”