The film, produced by Qvisten Animation and directed by Mette Tange and Rasmus Sivertsen, will have its world premiere at the festival.
"We are truly proud to present this gem of a film, which with great enthusiasm brings Egner's classic children's songs to life in a modern and utterly charming way. The festival has been screening a number of films from Qvisten since the 1990s, and it was high time that a feature film from Norway's most prolific animation studio was given the honor of opening the Nordic region's leading animation festival."
Anders Narverud Moen, Festival Director, Fredrikstad Animation Festival.
About the film
Join an extraordinary adventure in search of Santa's Workshop — a film for the whole family, filled with humor, beloved songs, genuine Christmas spirit, and a yuletide message that will warm you through the winter cold.
When nine-year-old Mari wakes up one night to find an elf in her bedroom, it marks the beginning of an extraordinary Christmas adventure. With a forgotten elf mitten as their only clue, she, her grandmother, and a very sceptical father set off on a remarkable journey to find Santa Claus — while the mitten's owner, Santa's little helper Stompen, does everything he can to stop them. For Santa's Workshop must never be discovered — that would be a catastrophe!
The journey takes them through forests, heathlands, and beautiful winter landscapes, but the challenges are many: they must get past the forest's guardian, the Old Woman with the Staff, and battle their way through a fearsome snowstorm. The journey is not only exciting — it also opens the family's eyes to one another, and they ultimately discover what the true magic of Christmas really is.
Get ready for this year's Christmas film for the whole family, packed with festive spirit and beloved songs by Thorbjørn Egner — including Captain Black Bill, The Animals of Africa, and It's Snowing, It's Snowing — performed by some of Norway's finest artists, including Sissel Kyrkjebø.
Santa's Workshop is part of the competition program for Nordic-Baltic Animated Feature Film.