SPECIAL: Sola Media Bought international sales rights of Norwegian feature-length animation for $10 million Rufus – The Sea Serpent Who Can’t Swim in front A.F.M. next week.

Revolving around a community of sea snakes living on a secret island in the middle of the ocean, this film is based on the children’s book series by Tor Åge Bringsværd and illustrator Thore Hansen, consisting of nine books from 1972 to 2019. – generation brand.

The film is produced by Oslo-based Cornelia Boysen. Maipo Moviewhose credits include Louis and Luca stop motion trilogy and World War II family film TransitionWith co-producer Peter Voelkle at the Belgian company NeXtFrames.

Due to the release of the film, it will be ready for delivery in the 3rd quarter of 2025 together with Nordisk Film. Norway in the autumn of that year.

The studios behind the film are NeXtFrames (fog) and Anima Vitae, Finland’s award-winning studio known for its work on internationally sold films Nico trilogy.

The production combines 3D CGI with traditional hand-drawn animation aesthetics to create a look similar to DreamWorks’ latest hit Wild Robotand before that, Puss in Boots.

At the center of the story is a young sea serpent named Rufus who cannot adapt to his environment, especially since he cannot swim. Disaster occurs when Uncle Ludovic, the protector of the community who is part monster, part dragon with magical smoke, loses his powers.

Rufus had to take action to save his family, but first he had to overcome his deepest fear.

Sola Media will present the first images of the film at AFM, which will take place between 5-10 November.

“Our buyers can look forward to a great project and the first scenes from it. We immediately fell in love with Rufus, the unusual but cute sea serpent who is afraid of water,” said Solveig Langeland, Managing Director of Sola Media.

“The story is full of humor, adventure and important values, and we believe it will inspire young and old to face their fears and stick together when it matters most. “The budget of 9.5 million euros ensures that the film is convincing not only in terms of content, but also in terms of quality and great character designs.”