Italian
Shout! Studios acquires North American rights to ‘Panda Bear in Africa’
A new adventure for family audiences
In an exciting development for animation enthusiasts, Shout! Studios has secured the North American distribution rights for the animated feature Panda Bear in Africa. This acquisition marks another milestone in the studio’s ongoing collaboration with Cinema Management Group (CMG).
The story of Pang and his quest
Panda Bear in Africa follows the journey of Pang, a young panda who embarks on a daring adventure from China to Africa. His mission? To rescue his kidnapped friend, Jielong the dragon. Along the way, Pang encounters a variety of African animals and forms new friendships that help him navigate the challenges of the wild. The film promises a heartwarming tale of bravery, friendship, and the importance of community.
For a sneak peek, check out the Panda Bear in Africa trailer.
The creative minds behind the film
The film is directed and written by Richard Claus and Karsten Kiilerich, who are known for their work on The Little Vampire and Ruby and Raggie. They are joined by co-writer Robert Spackling, whose credits include Gnomeo & Juliet and The Queen’s Corgi. This talented team has crafted a story that is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
An international co-production
Panda Bear in Africa is a true international effort, involving production companies from across Europe. The film is a co-production between Cool Beans and Katuni from Amsterdam, A. Film Production from Denmark, Comet Film from Germany, and Le Pacte from France. The film was also featured in the official selection at the 2024 Annecy International Film Festival, highlighting its global appeal and artistic merit.
A successful partnership
This acquisition is the fourth collaboration between Shout! Studios and CMG, following the successful releases of The Canterville Ghost, Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon, and The Little Vampire 3D. The multi-year deal grants Shout! Studios all North American distribution rights, including theatrical, home entertainment, and various media platforms.
Behind the scenes of the deal
The deal was negotiated by Jordan Fields, senior VP of acquisitions and originals at Shout! Studios, and Edward Noeltner for CMG and the producers. Melissa Boag, Shout! Studios executive VP of family entertainment, expressed her excitement about the new partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Cinema Management Group again for this incredibly entertaining family movie. Panda Bear in Africa has a captivating storyline and memorable characters that will resonate with both movie audiences and parents.”
Edward Noeltner, president of CMG, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We are truly delighted to be working again with Melissa, Jordan, and the whole fabulous team at Shout! Studios on Panda Bear in Africa for North America. The Shout! Studios team has done amazing work releasing our previous titles and has generated not only good coverage on each of our films but also great economic returns.”
A promising future for family entertainment
With its engaging plot and vibrant characters, Panda Bear in Africa is set to become a beloved addition to the family entertainment genre. The film’s positive messages about friendship, courage, and the power of community are sure to resonate with audiences, making it a must-watch for families everywhere.
For more information and to stay updated on the release, visit the Panda Bear in Africa information page.
Final thoughts
As Shout! Studios continues to expand its portfolio with high-quality family films, Panda Bear in Africa stands out as a testament to the power of international collaboration and creative storytelling. This film not only promises to entertain but also to inspire, making it a valuable addition to any family’s movie night lineup.
