A Preview of Harald Siepermann’s First (And Last) Feature Directorial Effort “The 7th Dwarf”

Der 7bte Zwerg (The 7th Dwarf) is a new animated film currently in production by German companies Zipfelmützen Film and Erfttal Film. The animated feature is an expansion of the live-action Seven Dwarves franchise, which has thus far resulted in two popular German films: Seven Dwarves: Men Alone in the Wood (2004) and Seven Dwarves: The Forest Is Not Enough (2006).

Based on early descriptions of the film, the story centers around Bubi, the seventh dwarf, who accidentally pricks a sleeping princess, triggering the curse of an evil ice queen and sending the entire kingdom into a century-long slumber. He and his six cohorts then travel into the future with a charming prince and a suicidal dragon in an effort to save their fairy tale kingdom.

It is directed by actor Boris Aljinovic and the late Harald Siepermann and will be distributed by Universal Pictures Germany. Siepermann, who passed away last February, was an accomplished character designer and visual development artist whose work was seen in Disney’s Tarzan, The Emperor’s New Groove and Enchanted, among others. The 7th Dwarf, which was to be Siepermann’s first animated feature as a director, will be released at the end of January 2014, almost one year after his passing.

Siepermann’s influence can be seen in these visdev pieces by Paolo Giandoso. It’s a pity the same can’t be said for the teaser trailer, however, we remain optimistic.

(Thanks, Florian Satzinger, via Cartoon Brew’s news submission forum)