Co-produced by Galway based Magma Films, ‘Niko & The Way to the Stars’ has won Best Animation and Favourite Animation at the 11th annual China International film Festival.
The IFTA nominated Irish/German/Danish/Finnish co-production was voted Favourite Animation by a jury of 230 local children at the festival and Best Animation by a jury of industry professionals. ‘Niko & the Way to the Stars’ tells the tale of a young reindeer who is still learning to fly as he sets out on a quest to find his father, a famous member of the Legendary Santa Flying Forces.
The feature animation is directed by Kari Juusonen and Michael Hegner. It has been sold to 122 countries and has been seen so far by over six million people worldwide. ‘Niko & the Way to the Stars’ has also won Best Film and Best Script “Jussi” awards at the Finnish Film Awards as well as Best Film and Audience Award at the Cinekid festival in Amsterdam.
The sequel titled ‘Niko: A Family Affair’ is currently in pre-production and is due for release in Winter 2012. Magma Films is again co-producing with Finland’s Animaker Oy, Denmark’s A-Film and Germany’s Ulysses Films plan.
