Charades, GKIDS Unveil Urgent Development on Animated Horror Film ‘Pesta’

BREAKING: Charades, Mikrofilm, and Oscar-winning distributor GKIDS have just announced their collaboration on the animated romantic horror film “Pesta,” directed by Hanne Berkaak. This project, which is currently in development, is set against the harrowing backdrop of Norway in 1349, during the catastrophic onset of the Black Death. The film is expected to be released in 2029 but is already generating significant buzz within the animation industry.

The film will be presented on February 13, 2024, at the European Film Market as part of the Annecy Animation Showcase. “Pesta” intertwines romance with horror and draws inspiration from Norwegian history and folklore, showcasing a noble girl named Astrid who navigates first love with a musician labeled as dangerous. As the boy faces accusations of witchcraft, Astrid is forced to confront the societal truths she has always accepted.

Director Hanne Berkaak emphasized the film’s relevance, stating, “With ‘Pesta,’ our goal is to create characters that are complex and relatable to a contemporary young adult audience, even though the story unfolds in a medieval world.” Berkaak aims to highlight the brutal realities faced by youth during the plague, while also weaving in themes of love and hope.

Producer Tonje Skar Reiersen expressed gratitude for the involvement of Charades and GKIDS, highlighting their commitment to independent animation and genre films. “They show an incredible passion for the project, and help strengthen it through their close involvement,” Reiersen noted.

Paris-based Charades, known for its work on acclaimed films such as “I Lost My Body” and the Oscar-winning “Flow,” has been engaged with “Pesta” since its treatment stage. The company stated, “It brings together everything we love about animation — a unique visual language coupled with strong storytelling and a passionate and experienced team around it.”

GKIDS, which has a strong track record in distributing animated features, expressed enthusiasm for the project. “We fell in love with the project at first sight and are looking forward to supporting the creative team in bringing Hanne’s vision to life,” said Eric Beckman of GKIDS.

The development of “Pesta” has received support from Creative Europe MEDIA, The Norwegian Film Institute, Viken Film Centre, The Norwegian Arts Council, and Norsk Illustrasjonsfond, along with the prestigious Eurimages Development Award for Co-Productions at Cartoon Movie. This collaborative support underscores the film’s potential impact in both animation and storytelling.

Distribution for “Pesta” will be handled by Animation Addicts in Germany and Norsk Filmdistribusjon in Norway, ensuring a broad reach for this unique narrative that resonates with both historical and contemporary audiences.

As anticipation builds, industry insiders and fans alike are eager to see how “Pesta” will merge its historical themes with modern storytelling techniques. The excitement surrounding its development highlights the growing interest in animated films that challenge genre boundaries and explore deeper emotional narratives.

Stay tuned for more updates as “Pesta” continues its journey toward release, promising a haunting yet hopeful tale that speaks to today’s societal challenges through the lens of history.