THE MAGIC REINDEER: SAVING SANTA’S SLEIGH
IN IRISH & UK CINEMAS NOVEMBER 22
Starring:
Matthew Whelan, Emma Jenkins, Dermot Magennis, Paul Tylak, Roger Gregg, Aileen Mythen, Lucy Smith, Harry Weld Moore, Justin Anene, Luke Griffin, Brendan McDonald
Directed by:
Kari Juusonen, Jørgen Lerdam
Produced by:
Moe Honan (Galway animation company Moetion Films), Antti Haikala (Anima Vitae), Hannu Tuomainen (Cinemaker), (Finland), Emely Christians & Sonja Matthes (Ulysses Films) (Germany), Anders Mastrup (A.Film Production) (Denmark)
Composer:
Eímear Noone
Sound Design:
Aza Hand
Developed and Supported by:
Finnish Film Foundation, Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland
Synopsis
Christmas is on the horizon, and it looks like it’s going to be the best one yet for Niko the Reindeer as he sets off to fulfil his biggest dream – taking his place next to his father on Santa’s Flying Forces. However, he faces unexpected competition from Stella, a mysterious new challenger.
Then one night, things go from bad to worse when Santa’s sleigh is stolen! Now it’s down to Niko, joined by friends old and new, to venture to the frozen North on a daring mission to save the holidays.
IFCO G BBFC U
Running Time: 85 mins
Irish Producer Moe Honan’s Statement:
We are thrilled that Irish audiences will get to see The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh in cinemas nationwide from 22 November. This film is the third in a trilogy and having known this world and this little character Niko so well since 2006, it was both a reassuring and exciting project to dive into. We have all grown up with Niko and as with the two previous films, we wanted to deliver another heart-warming, family audience film to all Niko fans across the world, and we also had a big desire to share the magic of Niko with a new generation of children using all the benefits of new improved technologies to convey our art and our story.
This latest adventure The Magic Reindeer – Saving Santa’s Sleigh echoes the central themes of the entire trilogy, values which are anchored in family and friendship, but this film also reflects the dilemmas and challenges of the young teen as he ventures forth to find his own way in the world. The film sees the introduction of Stella who acts as a competing and emotional challenge to Niko, who finds himself torn between childhood certainties and unknown truths about his universe. A roller coaster of an adventure with a core emotional heartwarming journey at its heart, this third Niko film will, we hope, become another family favourite, every Christmas!
Working on an independent European co-production such as Niko, requires a truly multi-skilled and trusted creative and financial partnership, and this one has stood the test of time. In Ireland from our work on the script development, voices, animation work and sound design, including Eímear Noone’s incredible score, we have been closely involved with this film from the, we look forward with child-like excitement to finally sharing this film with our national and international family audiences in the warm and special atmosphere of Christmas 2024.
We hope you like it too!
