The results of the third Eurimages Project Evaluation Session of 2024 have been announced. Further to recommendations made by independent experts meeting online, the Executive Committee of the Fund has decided to support the co-production of 24 feature films for a total amount of € 6 780 000. Council of Europe co-production fund Eurimages have granted the maximum allowable amount, € 500 000 to FAIRYHEART. A Hungary-Canada-Germany co-production, FAIRYHEART was the only animated project to receive funding in this round.

Based on renowned Hungarian writer, the most translated Hungarian author, with publications in 42 countries and in over 30 languages, Magda Szabó’s book “Tündér Lala” (Fairy Lala), the screenplay for FAIRHEART was written by Anita Doron and Attila Gigor, while the upcoming film will be directed by Doron. She also scripted Oscar® nominated animation THE BREADWINNER and directed award-winning live-action features THE LESSER BLESSED and THE END OF SILENCE.

FAIRYHEART is the story of Lala, the young prince of mythical Tundarra, who must save humanity from the wrath of the dark wizard Aterpater. Helping him along the way are his friend, Bea, a brave but lonely human girl, and Gigi, the magical capibara unicorn.

FAIRYHEART is a fearless meditation on grief and human nature. The film asks what place do humans have in this world they are busy destroying and innocently answers, from the point of view of a fairy boy with a human heart: “Maybe humans are just young fairies. We need time to grow.”

Anita Doron was thrilled by the new development: “We cannot wait to start animation on FAIRYHEART and bring the wonderful world of Tundarra to life in a unique style of futuristic folklore mixed with the bold dynamism of modern anime. It will be a ride like no other: fantastical and visually arresting.”

FAIRYHEART is scheduled to start production in the first quarter of 2025. In addition to Eurimages, the project is supported by the National Film Institute Hungary, Telefilm Canada, Creative Europe, Ontario Creates, and the German Media Fund MDM. It will be distributed in Canada by Vortex Media, in German-speaking territories by Little Dream Pictures.

FAIRYHEART is being produced by Jozsef Berger and Krisztina Endrenyi of Mythberg Films and Reka Temple of Cinemon Entertainment in Hungary, Paul Lenart of Storyteller Pictures and Iouri Stepanov and Courtney Wolfson of Lakeside Animation in Canada, and Michael Luda of Traumhaus Studios in Germany.