Nordic Animators Embrace Reindeer Born Out of a One-Night Stand, Viking Prince Who Teams Up With Drag Queens: ‘Compassion, Equality, Inclusion’

As a seasoned movie buff with a penchant for international cinema, I find myself deeply moved by the passion and conviction displayed by these Nordic animation creators. Hailing from diverse backgrounds, they share a common goal: to challenge societal norms, embrace inclusivity, and create thought-provoking animated masterpieces that resonate with viewers across the globe.


According to Frank Mosvold from Kool Produktion, Nordic animators should adopt values such as “kindness, fairness, and diversity.” (This was shared with EbMaster.)

As a producer identifying as gay, I’m worried by the increasing negative sentiment and harmful representations towards the LGBTQ+ community in Europe. In response to this, I am creating ‘The Legend of Magnus the Good,’ an animated series focusing on themes of acceptance, irrespective of one’s gender or identity.

In the movie, it is Magnus’ father who is the renowned Viking ruler, King Olaf. However, when his uncle plots to seize the throne, young Magnus is forced to go into hiding. His journey takes him through time, ending up amidst a lively drag performance in modern-day Norway.

Mosvold emphasized the significance of creating something meaningful to oneself, as he spoke at the FFA’s Nordic Animation panel titled ‘How to Make New Classics.’ Being the son of a highly accomplished entrepreneur, he too faced substantial pressure.

In the creation of “Ella Bella Bingo,” I found myself expressing the child within me, allowing her to emerge freely. There’s no need for conventional perfection here; let it be a reflection of you instead.

Even if it means alienating some viewers – especially in the U.S.

In the United States, they softened the revelation that, to put it mildly, Niko is born from a brief union between an ordinary reindeer and one of Santa’s reindeers. Our film received some critical feedback in religious periodicals. The response from Americans [to the movie] was particularly unusual, according to Jørgen Lerdam, co-director of “Niko 2 – Little Brother, Big Trouble.

Now, the little reindeer is ready for its third adventure in “Niko – Beyond the Northern Lights.”

As a devoted cinephile, I must admit that even the cherished Moomins, Finnish icons crafted by the illustrious Tove Jansson, sparked a hint of skepticism in me. Their magical world was intriguing, but I wondered if this adaptation would do justice to their enchanting essence.

Nordic Animators Embrace Reindeer Born Out of a One-Night Stand, Viking Prince Who Teams Up With Drag Queens: ‘Compassion, Equality, Inclusion’

Gutsy Animations’ Marika Makaroff shares intriguing mysteries about the characters in ‘Moominvalley’. For instance, what is the true nature of the bond between Moomintroll and Snufkin? Why does Hemulen always wear dresses? And who is Little My’s biological mother?

Liisa Vähäkylä, the event moderator, emphasized that there’s a greater tendency towards thought-provoking content from Nordic companies, and she commended the exceptional creativity shown by Swedish director Niki Lindroth von Bahr.

However, although Northern artists persistently incorporate daring themes, even in productions like “Spermageddon” – which Mosvold described as “The funniest sex-education film I’ve ever seen. It could only have been made in the Nordics,” – they strive to convey profound feelings.

Haukur Sigurjónsson from Iceland pointed out that Hans Christian Andersen’s stories are extremely sad, yet we were raised with them. He believes children can handle the sadness as they resonate with ‘Ploey’, a heartwarming tale about a golden plover which is now receiving a sequel,” (paraphrased version)

Our distributors provided some strong feedback: ‘Are you planning on harming birds?!’ Children appreciate a little drama. But it’s not necessary for everything to be purely entertaining.

Makaroff concurred, stating: “In ‘Moominvalley,’ there was a scene where a small squirrel passed away due to The Lady of the Cold. Sky initially hesitated, but it turned out to be our most acclaimed episode. Children aren’t afraid to confront challenging themes. If we lack courage to portray our Nordic heritage and narrate such tales, the responsibility lies with us.

In her communication with EbMaster, she expressed: “For me, Nordic animation embodies superior production standards, a profound love and dedication towards projects, consistent deadlines met, and a foundation grounded in Nordic principles.

In her praise for Anima Vitae’s work, she also recognized Helsinki-based Gigglebug and Mikrofilm from Norway. Notably, these studios have already earned an Oscar for their 2006 short animated film titled “The Danish Poet.” She expressed hope that more productions from the Nordic regions could follow in those footsteps and claim an Oscar win!

Still, the lack of funding is, predictably, challenging.

Mosvold stated that Nordic animated films have an expansive reach that live-action movies can only aspire to, yet there’s often a perception that animation is inferior. This is particularly noticeable in Sweden, once a dominant force in global family entertainment. Regrettably, their current productions are but a fraction of their past glory,” (paraphrased from your original text).

Throughout the years, Nordic animators have mastered cost-effective production. Extra public financing could propel Nordic animation into a new realm of excellence. We’re prepared and eager to take on this challenge!

Creators must explore “innovative strategies” to fund their projects, stressed Makaroff.

In light of our financial limitations and commissioners preferring low-risk options, it’s crucial that we find Intellectual Properties (IPs) that appeal to a wide range of viewers. We need to place greater trust in Nordic stories and IPs, acknowledging their worldwide potential.

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2024-09-27 16:17