‘Nils Holgersson: The New Adventure’ Animated Movie Takes Wing with Gold Valley & Siyah Marti

As the Annecy International Animation Film Festival came to a close, Chinese animation studio Gold Valley Films (GVF) and Türkiye’s Siyah Martı Animation Studios announced their co-production of the CGI animated feature Nils Holgersson: The New Adventure — a modern, cinematic adaptation of Selma Lagerlöf’s classic Scandinavian tale. The co-production agreement was officially signed at Annecy.

Co-directed by Jason Reisig (Smallfoot; supervising animator, Kung Fu Panda, Trolls) and Leo Liao (Little Emma, Kung Fu Mulan), Nils Holgersson: The New Adventure tells the story of a mischievous 12-year-old boy who is magically shrunk and embarks on a sweeping journey across Sweden on the back of a farm goose. The story blends fantasy and folklore with contemporary themes of empathy, environmental awareness and personal growth.

“This co-production is a major step forward in our commitment to building globally appealing animation,” said Allen Tsang, Head of International at GVF. “Nils is a story of transformation, and our collaboration with Siyah Martı brings together rich creative voices from Asia and Europe.”

“[Nils Holgersson: The New Adventure] is a project that speaks to our mission at GVF: to tell culturally grounded, emotionally resonant stories with universal reach,” added Roger (Qing) Chen, CEO of GVF. “We’re proud to work with partners who share our passion for high-quality family entertainment with heart and purpose.”

Siyah Martı, headed by Nurullah Yenihan, is known for hit family films like Nasreddin Hodja, Captain Pengu and the upcoming Zero Waste Busters. “We are excited to partner with GVF on this timeless story,” said Yenihan. “Together, we’re crafting a film that brings the spirit of Scandinavian folklore to life for new generations.”

The deal was brokered by Frédéric Puech, founder of Paris-based PlayBig, who also joins the project to handle pre-sales. International sales and distribution will be handled by GVFI.

Production on Nils Holgersson: The New Adventure is underway, with a global release planned for 2026. Additional announcements on casting are expected later this year.