Odin’s Eye Animation (OEA), the dedicated animation arm of Australian distributor Odin’s Eye Entertainment (OEE), has acquired worldwide sales rights for Fairyheart, a new animated family feature directed by Anita Doron (writer of Oscar-nominated The Breadwinner), based on the Tündér Lala (commonly translated as Fairy Lala in English) by Hungarian author Magda Szabó. Doron wrote the screenplay alongside Atilla Gigor.
“After The Breadwinner, I wanted to continue exploring stories that weave resilience and courage into imaginative worlds,” said Doron. “Adapting Magda Szabó’s Tündér Lala allowed to tell a narrative that speaks to personal and collective struggles, showing how the power of imagination can lift the human spirit and how heal it. The film challenges us to reflect on our relationship with nature, each other, and ourselves by capturing that same spirit of defiance and hope, reminding us that even in a world marked by darkness, beauty worth fighting for.”
Selected for the Work in Progress sessions at the Annecy Festival next month, Fairyheart is a co-production between Mythberg Films (Hungary), Storyteller Pictures and Lakeside Animation (Canada), and Traumhaus Studios (Germany). The project has received substantial support from institutions across the globe, including: the Hungarian National Film Institute; Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates, Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung in internationally from Creative Europe and Eurimages.
From Annecy:
As the only fairy child in the immortal fairy kingdom, Lala is fascinated by human children. But humans are outlawed by the wizard Aterpater, who wants to put an end to their existence by cutting a thread tying fairies to humans. Having met Bea, a grieving human girl, Lala is certain humans deserve to live and will sacrifice his fairy heart to restore the thread, saving both fairies and humans, too.
“Generations have grown up with Magda Szabó’s story, and I am honored to take part in bringing it to the screen,” said József Berger, Lead Producer at Mythberg Films. “Szabó crafted tales with profound, timeless messages. Even after 60 years, this story continues to resonate, and Anita Doron’s adaptation beautifully presents it to today’s audiences in a meaningful yet entertaining way.”
Odin’s Eye will present Fairyheart to international buyers at the Cannes Film Market, offering a first look to select partners with a comprehensive pitch package.
“Fairyheart is a beautifully crafted story that resonates on both an emotional and artistic level,” enthused Michael Favelle, CEO of OEE and an executive producer on the film. “Anita Doron has created a richly layered film that speaks to the power of friendship and the enduring connection between nature and memory. Its heartfelt narrative and stunning animation make it a perfect fit for audiences who appreciate thought-provoking, artistically driven animated features.”
Also on OEA’s slate is Spanish/Mexican co-production Rock Bottom, the recently completed MegaRacer from Korea’s Red Rover (The Nut Job) and The First Dinosaur, in financing with Canada’s Sinking Ship. On Odin’s live action slate includes Holy Molé starring Tim Roth, Christo Fernandez and Martha Higereda; and elevated thriller/horror Appofeniacs.
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