At Cartoon Movie, Nordic Animation whips up new projects with potential for full-fledged IPs, family-friendly tales about acceptance and diversity

It’s a wrap for the 2025 edition of Bordeaux’s Cartoon Movie (4-6 March), Europe’s largest pitching and co-production event dedicated to animated features. This year’s gathering saw the participation of over 830 industry professionals from 40 countries, including a packed Nordic contingent, mostly made up of studio reps from Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark.

All in all, this year’s Cartoon Movie highlighted a strong emphasis on both established IPs and new concepts with cross-media potential, spanning books, gaming, live shows, and more. The majority of projects were family-oriented, reinforcing the Nordic industry’s commitment to accessible, universal storytelling.

Notably, 2D animation experienced a resurgence, often with minimal 3D intervention, reflecting a broader trend toward traditional aesthetics.

Animation Collaboration

On Day 2, the Nordisk Film & TV Fond unveiled its 2025 theme year, Animation Collaboration at a Nordic meeting. The discussion, introduced by CEO Liselott Forsman, featured Nordic directors, scriptwriters, art directors, producers, distributors, and sales agents. Topics covered included fund-supported animation collaboration schemes, joint marketing initiatives, the role of Nordic companies as co-production partners, talent exchanges, educational needs, collaboration with the gaming industry, and the establishment of a Nordic animation award.

For more information about the initiative: CLICK HERE.

On Day 2 and 3, ten projects with Nordic involvement were presented.

Here is a closer look at each one:

Valentino
Currently in development, this CGI-animated feature blends adventure and detective storytelling for the whole family. Directed by Samir Arabzadeh and co-written with Richie Conroy, it follows Roya, an 11-year-old girl with a disability, who longs to fit in. When her beloved cat, Truffles, goes missing, she embarks on a daring journey through a surreal dream world, where nightmares and wonders collide. Along the way, she meets Valentino, a mysterious black sheep who helps her confront her fears and uncover the truth behind Truffles’ disappearance. Produced by Germany’s Zooper Film, with Lilian Klages as lead producer and Sweden’s Sideways Studios as a co-producer, the film has secured backing from the Swedish Film Institute and Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg (MFG). Arabzadeh's inspiration for Valentino stemmed from a restless night in a noisy hotel in the Philippines, where, amidst counting sheep, an unexpected black sheep appeared —leading him into a fantastical realm of imagination. The Playmaker is in charge of the pic’s world sales. Actively seeking further co-producers and distributors, Valentino promises an “immersive and heartfelt journey into the power of dreams”.

Beneath the Waves (Under bølgene)
This new 3D CGI-animated family feature blends fantasy with profound real-world themes. The Norwegian pic, penned by Kamilla Krogsveen and inspired by the storytelling of Hayao Miyazaki and Astrid Lindgren, follows 12-year-old Eva and 6-year-old Rami, siblings who reach Europe alone after a perilous Mediterranean crossing. Stranded in a refugee camp, Rami clings to their mother’s lullaby about Vega’s world — a mythical underwater haven. One night, he wades into the sea, transforms into a mermaid, and calls for Eva. Sceptical but desperate, she follows, and together they embark on a magical quest to find their parents. Produced by Eric Vogel for Tordenfilm with Fredrik Kiøsterud for Qvisten Animation, the project is now in visual development, with character design set to begin after securing a director. With a preliminary budget of €7-8 million, the team is actively seeking international co-producers and investors. Studio 100 has joined to handle world sales, and the team is looking for presales and distributors. Beneath the Waves aims to offer “an emotionally resonant cinematic adventure, using animation to explore themes of loss, hope, and family in an accessible way”.

Huginn & Muninn
Directed by Will Ashurst, this “epic, suspenseful comedy adventure inspired by Norse mythology” is penned by Jesper Breen Frilseth, John-Gunnar Edvinsen, and Eirik Smidesang Slåen, It follows Odin’s former trusted advisors, the ravens Huginn and Muninn, who are cast out of Asgard and find themselves stranded in Midgard. In a desperate bid to return home, they seek out Tor — last seen traveling Midgard with his sister Loki — intending to steal his hammer. Targeting audiences aged 9+, the film is designed as a family-friendly experience. Produced by Norway’s Fenomen and co-produced by Czech studio Bionaut, with an estimated budget of €8 million, approximately 20% of the financing is secured. The script is currently in development, with the first draft expected in the coming weeks. All animation will take place in Czechia, Slovakia, and possibly Poland, with production set to start in fall 2027 and delivery planned for late 2028. SF Studios will handle Nordic distribution, while sales remain open for the rest of the world. The team is seeking pre-sales and licensing partners, particularly in the gaming and publishing sectors. More concept art is available, and animatic production could begin as early as next year.

Pikkuli and Starlight Reindeer (Pikkuli ja Tähtipeura)
In this heart-warming 75-minute animated feature “courage, togetherness, and the magic of Christmas” take centre stage. When the adults of Sunny Moor Forest quarrel, the Christmas star fades, and the holiday is cancelled. To restore the festive spirit, young Pikkuli and his friends set out to find the mythical Starlight Reindeer. Written by Metsämarja Aittokoski and Katri Myllyniemi and directed by the former with Antti Aittokoski, the film is produced by AittoFlow (Finland), with Filmkompaniet (Finland) and B-Water (Spain). Blending 2D, 3D, and CGI animation and aimed at children aged 3-9, the film builds on the Pikkuli IP, which includes 14 picture books, an emotional skills handbook for adults, and a globally aired 26x5’ TV series (first shown in 2015). A console game is also in development. With a €3.5 million budget, financing is 90% complete, and strong Nordic TV distribution is secured, alongside theatrical deals in the Nordics, Baltics, and Poland. Pre-production and animatic work will begin in spring 2025, followed by full production in summer 2025, with delivery set for summer 2026. The theatrical premiere is planned for Christmas 2026, and the team is now looking for a world sales agent.

Cocobanana and the Dinosaur Hunt (Kokosbananas og dinosaurjakten)
This quirky, fun tale is a 3D animated comedy-adventure with 2D effects, aimed at children aged 6–9. The story follows the titular half-coconut, half-banana inventor “with big ideas, a good heart, and no impulse control”. After moving to Nutbay, he desperately wants to make friends, especially with Pea, a peanut-girl intrigued by his wild inventions. Determined to win Pea over, Cocobanana builds an AI-powered robot dinosaur — only for chaos to erupt when a herd of dinosaurs takes over the town. Will Ashurst also directs this project with Kjersti G. Steinsbø, based on a script by Rolf Magne Golten Andersen and Tshepo Moche. The film is produced by Den Siste Skilling (Norway) with co-producers Knudsen Pictures and SERU Animation (Germany). The IP already boasts 14 books, 36 audiobooks, a live show, songs, and a Christmas-themed advent calendar. Sources of inspiration include The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Captain Underpants, and The Peanuts Movie. The flick is set for a Q4 2027 premiere, with production starting in Q1 2026. The team is currently seeking sales agents, distributors, and broadcasters.

Mikisoq
When a team of explorers arrives in a small Inuit village in Greenland, 13-year-old Mikisoq’s carefree life is upended as ancient spirits awaken. With his new friend Michelle, he must stop her father, possessed by a dark force, and embrace his destiny as the town’s next great shaman. Directed by Mette Rank Tange and written by Douglas Sloan, Mikisoq is produced by Denmark’s Fleng Entertainment, with co-production from Nordic Drama Queens and Mandoverbord. Inspired by Søren Alfred Olsen’s extensive experience in Greenland, the film ensures authenticity through Inuit consultants Inuk Silis Høegh and Nukaaka Coster-Waldau. Balancing adventure with comedy, the €10 million project is set for a 2028 cinema release, with production kickstarting in summer 2026. Development is ongoing, with the second draft nearing completion, concept art in progress, and early talks with gaming and toy licensing partners. A 26x22’ animated series is also in early development. Supported by the Danish Film Institute, Den Vestdanske Filmpulje, and Nordisk Film (also handling Scandi distribution), the team is seeking international sales agents, a major co-production partner, gap financiers, and broadcasters.

The Axolotls (Axolotlové)
This feature revolves around young Axl, an axolotl living in a moss-ball village at the bottom of a lake, whose home is threatened by trash falling from above. After feeling unloved by his overworked father, Axl runs away and befriends crab kids, only to end up trapped in captivity. As danger looms, Axl begins to understand his father’s struggles, while his father learns to accept him.

Directed by Filip Pošivač and written by Štěpánka Ansorge, the 80-minute family adventure targets children aged 6-10. Produced by Bionaut (Czechia) and Fenomen (Norway), it explores deep emotional themes through contrasting cute visuals and realistic emotions. It was inspired by Pošivač’s personal experience with his younger son running away after an argument with his wife, believing he was unloved. “The film is about how hard is to be a kid and how hard is to be a parent,” he summed up. With an estimated budget of €5.2 million, the film is in development from 2023-2025, with production slated for 2027-2028 and delivery in 2028. The team is seeking international sales, distribution, broadcasters, and co-producers.

Fleak
Presented as a sneak preview project, Fleak tells the story of 12-year-old Thomas, who loses his ability to walk after an accident. A helpful creature named Fleak appears from another dimension, taking Thomas on a fantasy adventure to help him walk again. However, Thomas must stop a monster created by his own shadow in return. The film was pitched five years ago at Bordeaux and won the Eurimages Co-Production Award. Directed by Jens Møller, with a script by Antti Haikala, Melli Maikkula, Ilja Rautsi, and Teemu Auersalo, the film is produced by Anima Vitae (Finland) and co-produced by Animoon (Poland), Anima Vitae Point (Malaysia), and Godo Films (France). World sales agent All Rights Entertainment has already sold to key territories, including the Baltics, Benelux, France, Israel, and more. The team showed several clips, which were all well received by the audience.

How to Deal with Shattering Geists (Oppskrift mot ånder som knuser ting)
The plot of this feature centres on 10-year-old Henry Mafaye, who lives with his father after his mother’s death. Whenever Henry mentions her, violent winds — caused by the "shattering geist" —destroy everything around them. When a terrible accident at school pushes Henry to confront the geist, he realises it’s time to understand how to deal with the mysterious force. Helmed by Kajsa Næss and adapted from the book “Oppskrift mot ånder som knuser ting”, the 90-minute coming-of-age adventure is aimed at children aged 7-11. Set in an alternate version of Bergen, it blends elements of ET, Turning Red, Pippi, Lilo & Stitch, and The Iron Giant. Produced by Mikrofilm (Norway) and Submarine Animation (Netherlands), it is slated for delivery in 2029. The team is seeking world sales, broadcasters, and distributors.

Ludolf at Anger Academy (Ludolf på Sinnaskolen)
The pic follows the titular happy misfit lemming who can't get angry, unlike his legendary grandfather, Angerbuck, the angriest lemming who saved their village. Banished to Anger Academy, Ludolf must master the art of anger to save his flock when the lemming king's actions put them in grave danger. Directed by Kristian Kamp, with a script by Kamp, Johnny Carlsen, and Jørn Kolsrud, this 3D CGI animated feature explores themes of "survival of the angriest". The pic is produced by Sagatoon (Norway) with a budget of €8.5 million. The team is in talks with Spanish animation studio Lightbox, and is looking for distributors and additional financing.

On the last day of the event, the traditional Cartoon Tributes were also handed out. The Producer of the Year award went to the Oscar-winning production teams of Flow (Straume) - Dream Well Studio, Sacrebleu Productions, and Take Five. The Sales Agent of the Year accolade was awarded to France’s Kinology, whilst Spain’s María Trénor won Director of the Year for Rock Bottom. Finally, the Eurimages Co-Production Development Award was bestowed upon Tigran Arakelyan’s Armenian-French project Zako.

Nordic animation strives for expansive IPs amid market uncertainty

While participation from major markets remained steady, the Italian industry’s presence was notably scarce, largely due to ongoing instability surrounding the country’s tax credit system and internal reshuffling at RAI Kids.

Among the Nordic pitches, Mikisoq attracted the largest audience, with 125 attendees, including 60 buyers, followed by Cocobanana and the Dinosaur Hunt with 83 attendees. Despite stable turnout and project numbers, a sense of uncertainty loomed over lunches and talks, as the geopolitical landscape continues to cast a shadow over the industry’s future.

Amid this, the celebration of Flow’s Oscar win (with co-producer Ron Dyens’ statuette frequently seen around the venue) brought a spark of joy and hope.