Pesta is the latest major animation project from Mikrofilm, credited for the Oscar-winning short film The Danish Poet and feature film Titina.

Currently in development, the film will be directed by Mikrofilm’s in-house rising talent of Sami origin Berkaak, a graduate from London’s Royal College of Art and New York Parson’ School of Design animation course.

Berkaak had the idea for the contemporary tale of young forbidden love, inspired by Norwegian folklore and medieval gore, during Covid-19. Set in Norway during The Black Death, the film turns on the pious noble girl Astrid (18) who falls in love with the pagan outlaw Eilev (18), whose blood is believed to hold a cure for the deadly disease. When Eilev is captured, Astrid faces a devastating dilemma: lose him or become the monster she fears most - Pesta - the plague itself.

Pitched at the last genre-oriented Frontières Platform in Cannes, the project received a lot of attention and both Xilam Films, credited for the Oscar-nominated I Lost My Body and Knudsen Pictures, behind the popular animation Richard the Stork film franchise), have now come on board.

"We are beyond excited to be part of Pesta!,” said Norwegian-born producer Kristine Knudsen, CEO of Berlin-based Knudsen Pictures. “A Nordic, animated genre film-what's not to love? Telling a story about hope in times of crisis to a young adult audience is meaningful and inspiring. With a strong female director and an all-female pan European producing team, I can't wait to get started and to bring this gem to German speaking audiences.”

Mikrofilm producers Lise Fearnley and Tonje Skar Reiersen said they are thrilled to start collaborating with Xilam Films and Knudsen Pictures that “represent artistic integrity, innovation, and commitment to quality. “

“Their expertise in international financing and distribution is invaluable for Pesta and will enable us to create a grand cinematic experience with broad international appeal.”

So far the project has received development support from the Norwegian Film Institute, and is looking for European co-development financing.

At this week’s leading Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market, both Mikrofilm’s Titina and Knudsen Pictures’ Richard the Stork and the mystery of the Great Jewel are having Open Air Screenings.

The world leading animation film festival runs June 11-17.