Global Screen Takes Niko 'Beyond the Northern Lights' to the USA with VIVA KIDS, Finding New Homes Across Continents

Feb 12th, 2024

Munich, February 12, 2024 – Global Screen, a TELEPOOL brand, closed further deals on major territories for its charming and turbulent adventure film for the whole family “Niko – Beyond the Northern Lights”. 

Viva Pictures has acquired all rights for North America to the new feature of the popular children’s classic about a flying reindeer after two previous films in the franchise “Niko & The Way to the Stars” (2008) and “Niko – Little Brother, Big Trouble” (2012) proved to be hits with audiences worldwide. Further deals were concluded with Flins y Piniculas for Spain, CDC for Latin America, Nos Lusomundo for Portugal, Grand Entertainment for the Middle East and SVOE Kino for Ukraine. 

Klaus Rasmussen, Head of Theatrical International Sales & Acquisitions, assembled a fantastic international sales team with Karina Korenblum and Lucrecia Magnanini to bring Niko's journey across continents: 'Global Screen is thrilled to continue its longstanding partnership with Viva Kids in the US, a steady partner and trustful collaborator. Our gratitude extends to all our “Niko distributors” who passionately champion the presence of independent animations in challenging times. This confirms that independent animations have their space in the market. And what we find most gratifying is the possibility to spread joy through Niko's adventure on screens worldwide.' 

Laura Prieto, VP Acquisitions at Viva Kids added:  We are so happy to continue our partnership with Global Screen, who share our commitment to independent animation studios. Niko: Beyond the Northern Lights will bring joy and adventure to the entire family and we are thrilled to offer all audiences a new film to incorporate into their holiday traditions.

As previously announced, the animated film has already been picked up by Kino Swiat for Poland, Bluelabel for South Korea, Just4Kids for the Benelux, GPI for the Baltic states, Karantanija for ex-Yugoslavia, Vertigo for Hungary, Zinos Panagiotidis for Greece, Bad Unicorn for Romania, Bohemia Motion Pictures for Slovakia and the Czech Republic, Pro Film for Bulgaria and Bir Film for Turkey and Bac Films in France. 

Nordisk Film will be the first to release the film theatrically in the home territory of Scandinavia, kicking off on October 11th, 2024, and extending into the holiday season.

In this new adventure, the flying reindeer boy Niko’s biggest dream is to become a member of Santa’s Flying Forces. But he gets challenged by a super talented reindeer girl, Stella, who shatters that dream. Niko has to decide between trust and loyalty.  

Following the global success of the first two Niko films, which were sold to over 120 countries, 'Niko – Beyond the Northern Lights,' directed by Kari Juusonen with co-director Jørgen Lerdam, is also a major European animated co-production. The film reunites Hannu Tuomainen and Antti Haikala at Finnish company Animaker, with co-producers Emely Christians of Germany’s Ulysses Films, (The Amazing Maurice, Two By Two: Overboard!), Moe Honan of Ireland’s Moetion Films (Two By Two:  Overboard!) and Anders Mastrup of the Danish company A. Film Production (Checkered Ninja 2).


Press Contact 

Panorama Entertainment | Ickstattstr. 12 |80469 Munich | Germany 

Amélie Linder 

Phone: +49 89 3090679-0, cell: +49 172 640 7242 amelie.linder@panorama-entertainment.com 

Press Contact 

Viva Kids: Morgan Cohen Salter 

Phone: +1-310-487-3612 

Morgan@VivaFilmCo.com 

About Global Screen: 

Global Screen is the worldwide distribution arm of TELEPOOL, a leading film and TV distribution and production group with more than 60 years’ experience. Global Screen distributes premium feature films and TV series to cinemas, global and local streaming platforms, TV channels, festivals, and distributors all around the world. 

Global Screen’s credits include animation hit movies like “The Amazing Maurice” (a lavishly produced 3D-animated film based on Terry Pratchett’s novels and starring Hugh Laurie and Emilia Clarke), ”Ooops! Noah Is Gone” and “Luis and the Aliens”. We have also delivered gripping dramas such as “The Collini Case”, historical masterpieces like "The Conference" and critically acclaimed arthouse films such as “A Thousand Times Goodnight” featuring Juliette Binoche. Current highlights include the WWII drama "Stella - A Life", starring Paula Beer, the acclaimed arthouse feature “My Sailor, My Love” as well as the beloved canine adventure "Lassie - A New Adventure". 

About Viva Kids:

Viva Kids is a global film production studio and all-rights distributor with a proven track record of releasing world class family entertainment.  Recently, Viva Kids ushered the animated indie THE AMAZING MAURICE to Sundance Film Festival and to a wide theatrical release. Viva Kids has led the production and distribution on animated and live-action movies such as RALLY ROAD RACERS (starring J.K. Simmons and Jimmy O. Yang), 100% WOLF (starring Jane Lynch, Samara Weaving, Loren Gray), and R.L. Stine’s ZOMBIE TOWN (starring Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Madi Monroe).  Viva Kids is part of the Viva Pictures Distribution Company along with Kidsflix, the kid-safe and parent-friendly destination to stream free movies and TV series. Kidsflix is available on iTunes, Google Play, Roku and on major TV brands world wide.