Emmy-Winning French Label Dandelooo Launches Dedicated Feature Animation Division

International Emmy-winning French animation producer/distributor Dandelooo has launched a dedicated feature division, Dandelooo Cinéma. The new unit joins Dandelooo’s other businesses: Ooolala, an animation studio in la Cartoucherie, France, and a sales office in Milan, Italy.

According to the company, it will focus on acquiring, developing, producing, and distributing high-quality kids and family films, and Dandelooo Cinéma already has roster of projects in its pipeline.

In a release, Dandelooo co-founder Emmanučle Pétry explained the company’s decision to launch a film-dedicated division, saying:

Entering into the cinema space is a natural progression for Dandelooo. We are passionate about delivering exceptional entertainment and Dandelooo Cinéma allows us to take this commitment to new heights and build and strengthen our content for global audiences.

Dandelooo is best known for producing the hybrid preschool series The Treehouse Stories, an International Emmy-winner in 2017, and its accompanying feature The Birdhouse Stories. Other standout productions include Stinky Dog for France Televisions and TV3 Catalunya, the Annecy jury award-winning Mum is Pouring Rain for Canal+, Chico Chica Boumba for French broadcaster M6, and the animated feature Houdini.

Based at Dandelooo’s Paris headquarters, the feature division will be headed by international sales and acquisitions manager Luna Sirvin, who is tasked with overseeing and expanding Dandelooo Cinéma’s activities through acquisitions, development, production, and marketing.

According to Sirvin:

Despite the challenging environment, we feel the need to offer uplifting and meaningful stories. We believe that the quality of an animated film and its message is revealed through the passionate work of local distributors. This in-depth work is the key to meeting today’s biggest challenge: to keep inviting children into movie theaters. As an international sales agent, our mission is to offer ambitious animated films that will inspire and enrich the lives of kids around the world.

In addition to announcing the division, Dandelooo revealed it has secured international theatrical rights to three upcoming European feature productions:

Hola Frida!

Directors: Karine Veězina and Andreě Kadi

Producers: Haut et Court Distribution (France), Tobo Media (Canada), Du Coup Studio Production (Canada)

Synopsis: It’s the story of a little girl who is different. Her world is Coyoacan, Mexico City. Sparkling, vibrant, everything interests her and when difficulties arise, she faces them with an overflowing imagination. This little girl is called Frida Kahlo.

Born in the Jungle

Director: Edmunds Jansons

Producers: Atom Art (Latvia), Letko (Poland), Hausboot (Czech Republic)

Synopsis: During the school summer break, nine-year-old Ilse joins her family in the rainforest where they live with the Pemón tribe, close to the Devil’s Mountain. When, after an accident, Mum needs to fly Dad to a hospital, Ilse volunteers to look after her three-year-old brother Alex. However, instead of minding her brother, Ilse spends time with her nose stuck in a book. When Ilse finally looks up, she discovers that Alex has disappeared. All signs suggest that he has wandered off towards the jungle. Ilse must bring him back home before their parents return.

Granny is a Tree!

Director: Hugo de Faucompret

Producers: Laïdak Films (France, Germany), Dandelooo (France) and Doghouse Films (Luxembourg)

Synopsis: Granny Onion, Jane’s whimsical grandmother, has taken one last eternal after-lunch nap. She wrote her last wish on a piece of paper, but Cécile rules against it. Jane, on the other hand, has decided: she will set off on a wild escape to the edge of the tangible world, alongside her granny’s facetious ghost.