BREAKING: Charades, Mikrofilm, and Oscar-winning distributor GKIDS have just announced their collaboration on the highly anticipated animated romantic horror film, “Pesta.” Directed by Hanne Berkaak, this innovative project is currently in development and set to captivate audiences in 2029.
The film will be showcased on February 13 during the European Film Market at the Annecy Animation Showcase, highlighting its unique blend of romance and horror against a backdrop of historical significance. Set in Norway in 1349, during the devastating Black Death, “Pesta” tells the gripping story of a noble girl named Astrid, who falls in love with a musician labeled as unholy and dangerous.
As society succumbs to fear and superstition, the narrative challenges the truths Astrid has been taught when her beloved is accused of witchcraft. Berkaak aims to draw parallels between the medieval plague fears and today’s global crises, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in challenging times.
“With ‘Pesta,’ our goal is to create characters that are complex and relatable to a contemporary young adult audience,” Berkaak stated. “Even in the darkest hours of the Black Death, some people survived, and the world they built became more just and equal.” The director believes that exploring dark historical periods provides crucial insights into our current society.
Producer Tonje Skar Reiersen expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We feel privileged to have Charades and GKIDS on board for ‘Pesta.’ Their incredible passion for the project strengthens it through their close involvement.” Charades, known for its successful projects like “I Lost My Body” and the Oscar-winning “Flow,” began tracking “Pesta” from its treatment stage.
The company’s commitment to bridging strong storytelling with unique visual language makes “Pesta” a standout project. “It’s very seldom we come across horrific romances that feel topical and contemporary despite being set in the medieval era,” Charades remarked in a statement.
GKIDS, whose distribution slate includes the Oscar-nominated “Little Amelie or the Character of Rain,” noted, “We fell in love with the project at first sight and look forward to supporting the creative team in bringing Hanne’s vision to life.” The collaboration between Charades and GKIDS has produced several successful films, including “Ghost Cat Anzu.”
The development of “Pesta” has received significant backing from Creative Europe MEDIA, The Norwegian Film Institute, Viken Film Centre, The Norwegian Arts Council, and Norsk Illustrasjonsfond. Additionally, it has been honored with the Eurimages Development Award for Co-Productions at Cartoon Movie.
Anticipation builds as “Pesta” prepares for its release, with distribution handled by Animation Addicts in Germany and Norsk Filmdistribusjon in Norway. This project promises not only to entertain but also to provoke thought about the complexities of love and survival in the face of societal turmoil.
Stay tuned for further updates on this captivating animated film that intertwines history with a modern narrative, resonating deeply with today’s audience.
