Since its theatrical release in Quebec on February 26, the Quebec animated film Félix and the Morgäa Treasure, by Nicola Lemay, has been sold in more than 100 countries and territories around the world.
This is an exceptional journey for this family film because, due to the pandemic, the cast has faced many rough edges. For example, when the halls reopened, the number of spectators admitted was very limited. Then, they closed five weeks later due to a worrying increase in the number of cases.
In a telephone interview, the film’s producer, Nancy Florence Savard, confided her joy at the results.
“I am proud of what we have achieved,” she said.
Until now, Félix and the Morgäa Treasure is our greatest success. Previously, our record had been 98 countries and territories with The rooster of St-Victor. Besides, the last time I went to a movie market with Felix, it is during the Berlinale at the end of February 2020.
Nancy Florence Savard, producer
Camped in the Magdalen Islands, the story (screenplay by Marc Robitaille) is that of Félix (voiced by Gabriel Lessard), a 12-year-old kid who, convinced that his father, who has been missing at sea for two years, is still alive , goes in search of him with old Tom (Guy Nadon), retired captain. Their journey will take them to a mysterious island where Morgäa (Karine Vanasse) lives, a megalomaniac with murky ambitions.
From the United States to Italy, from Benin to Tanzania via Australia and New Zealand, Western Sahara, Singapore, Switzerland and Burkina Faso, the film has been or will be seen all over the world. world.
PICTURE PROVIDED BY HOUSE 4: 3
Félix and the Morgäa Treasure has been sold in over 100 countries and territories.
What explains this success? “If I knew the recipe, I would apply it again,” says M.me Savard. With the situation and the rooms closed, we did not expect this. Maybe it’s because the big studios have withheld the release of their main films. One thing is certain, we have worked hard on the distribution. ”
This was provided by Attraction distribution and 10e Ave Studio, the marketing and merchandising division of 10e Ave Productions.
And the film still continues on its way. In November and December, it will be presented as an official selection at festivals in Australia, the Czech Republic and Italy.
In January, 225 to 250 copies will arrive in cinemas across France. The film will also be released in Russia in 2022.
“Our greatest sadness is not having been able to accompany Felix at festivals or in the countries where it goes out, says Nancy Florence Savard. We haven’t even done a red carpet in the regions of Quebec. It’s hard for our creators. ”
Read our interview with Nicola Lemay at the time of the film’s release
Beluga Blues
Already announced for a while, the next project of Mme Savard and 10e Ave Productions is called Beluga Blues, a film by Christine Dallaire-Dupont and Nicola Lemay based on a story by Andrée Lambert, a long-term youth author (All dressed macaroni, Bagpipes, Toc Toc Toc, etc.).
PHOTO PROVIDED BY 10E AVENUE PRODUCTIONS
Scene from Beluga Blues, film in preparation
“Andrée has been sailing the St. Lawrence for a long time and beluga whales accompany her,” indicates Nancy Florence Savard. Here she is writing her first feature film. The story is based in Tadoussac, but it takes place a lot on the water, which is a big challenge. ”
If all goes as planned, the film will be released between Christmas 2022 and the February-March 2023 school break.