BREAKING NEWS: Charades, Mikrofilm, and Oscar-winning distributor GKids have just announced their collaboration on an animated romantic horror film titled “Pesta.” Directed by Hanne Berkaak, this highly anticipated feature is currently in development and set for release in 2029.
The project will be unveiled on February 13, 2024, during the prestigious European Film Market as part of the Annecy Animation Showcase. This unique blending of romance and horror is inspired by Norwegian history and folklore, set against the harrowing backdrop of the Black Death in 1349.
The narrative follows Astrid, a noble girl who experiences first love with a musician labeled as unholy. As accusations of witchcraft surface, Astrid is thrust into a world of fear and superstition, compelling her to question the very truths she has been taught to uphold. Director Berkaak emphasizes the relevance of this historical period, stating, “Catastrophes expose structural illusions a society is built upon, and often have a way of bringing people together.”
The film aims to resonate with contemporary audiences, showcasing not only the brutality of youth during the plague but also a narrative filled with love and hope. “With ‘Pesta,’ our goal is to create characters that are complex and relatable to a contemporary young adult audience,” Berkaak added.
Producer Tonje Skar Reiersen expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We feel privileged to have Charades and GKids on board for ‘Pesta.’” The project has garnered significant backing from institutions including Creative Europe MEDIA, The Norwegian Film Institute, and Norsk Illustrasjonsfond.
Charades, renowned for its contributions to animation with films like “I Lost My Body” and the Oscar-winning “Flow,” has been involved since the treatment stage of “Pesta.” The company highlighted the project’s potential, declaring, “It brings together everything we love about animation — a unique visual language coupled with strong storytelling.”
GKids, based in New York and known for its critically acclaimed slate including the Oscar-nominated “Little Amelie or the Character of Rain,” expressed immediate enthusiasm for the project, saying they “fell in love with the project at first sight.”
As “Pesta” progresses, it will be distributed in Germany by Animation Addicts and in Norway by Norsk Filmdistribusjon. The film is also a recipient of the Eurimages Development Award for Co-Productions at Cartoon Movie, showcasing its potential in the international market.
Stay tuned for updates as this exciting project continues to develop, promising a captivating blend of historical intrigue and chilling romance that reflects both the past and present.
