The recently released sequel to the Oscar-nominated ‘Ernest & Celestine’ follows Ernest the bear and his friend Celestine the mouse as they travel to Ernest’s home Gibbertia.
GKIDS has just announced the acquisition of all U.S. distribution rights for Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibbertia. A follow up to the 2012 Oscar- nominated Ernest & Celestine, the film features the unlikely bear and mouse duo as they return to Ernest’s hometown in Gibberitia. Nominated for Best Animated Feature at France’s 48th César Awards, the film opened in French theaters in December, and will premiere in the U.S. opening night at the New York International Children’s Film Festival this March.
In the film, Ernest remains an ursine troubadour dedicated to a life of music and art, and his constant grouchiness is softened by the creative whims of his mouse friend Celestine. When she accidentally breaks his beloved violin, they must take a long voyage to Ernest’s country of Gibbertia, home to the only artist who can repair it. But when they arrive, they are shocked to discover that all forms of music have been banned in Gibbertia for many years, and a land once known for its incredible musicians has fallen silent. It is up to Ernest and Celestine and their new friends, including a mysterious masked outlaw, to bring music and happiness back to the land of bears.
Jean-Christophe Roger, director of the Ernest & Celestine: The Collection animated series, returns as co-director alongside Emmy-nominated Julien Chheng, who was a character animator for the original Ernest & Celestine.
GKIDS previously handled U.S. distribution for Ernest & Celestine, which won the César Award for Best Animated Feature, before going on to earn GKIDS its third Academy Award nomination. The all-rights distribution deal for Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibbertia was negotiated between GKIDS and Chloe Marquet, SVP International Sales at STUDIOCANAL.
Marquet said, “We are thrilled to team up with GKIDS again and on the new adventures of Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibbertia. We know their incredible team will bring all of their talent and passion to releasing this film in US theatres spreading the values of kindness and friendship that are so important to our beloved mouse and bear!”
“After 10 years, it’s wonderful to reunite with my favorite bear and mouse, Ernest and Celestine,” said GKIDS President David Jesteadt. “Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibbertia is full of the emotional warmth, comedy and stunning animation that made the original film so iconic. Films of this quality are increasingly rare, and we are honored to be able to partner again with the producers on a new chapter with these beloved characters.”
Source: GKIDS
Whitney is a freelance writer focusing on VFX-driven fantasy film & TV as well as preschool animation.
