Studio 100 Film has added a new project, “North," to its animation film slate. “We feel extremely inspired to add ‘North’ to our slate and introduce audiences to the magical world of Gerda and the Snow Queen," Thorsten Wegener, Head of Business Operations, Studio 100 Films said. "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.”
Produced by PictoryLand, the Norwegian CGI film, directed by Bente Lohne and produced by Haakon Gundersen, is currently in pre-production with delivery planned for Q4 2024. Studio 100 Film will cover all worldwide film sales except for the Scandinavian territories and will introduce the project, showing the first teaser and art designs of the characters and set locations, at this year’s Marche du Film in Cannes. "We are excited to partner with Studio 100 Film to bring 'North' to audiences worldwide," added Haakon Gundersen, producer of "North." "The film's themes of love, friendship, and perseverance are timeless, and we can't wait to share Gerda’s journey with the world."
“North” is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale “The Snow Queen." With a runtime of 85 minutes, the adventure aimed at kids and families follows the journey of the young girl Gerda, who embarks on a dangerous mission to save her best friend Kai from the Snow Queen’s icy grip. “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," Joining the project as consulting producer, Academy-Award-winner (Toy Story) and Pixar Animation co-founder Ralph Guggenheim, said. "’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!”
In "North," 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.