Global Constellation has announced its acquisition of international sales rights for the forthcoming live-action family feature, 'Emil and the Detectives.' This modern cinematic interpretation draws its inspiration from Erich Kästner's enduring 1929 literary work, a cornerstone of children's literature translated into over 60 languages. Directed by David Dietl and penned by Antonia Scheurlen, the film promises a fresh take on a classic tale, emphasizing themes of courage, ingenuity, and camaraderie. With post-production nearing completion, the movie is slated for release in German-speaking territories by Warner Bros. Pictures next fall.
The narrative centers on a young boy named Emil, whose funds, intended for his grandmother, are pilfered during his train journey to Berlin. Undeterred, Emil embarks on a quest to recover his stolen money, forming an unexpected partnership with a resourceful group of local children. Together, they navigate the complexities of the city, outsmarting a cunning thief and uncovering vital clues. Their adventure not only leads them closer to their goal but also teaches them invaluable lessons about the profound strength of friendship and the importance of unwavering courage.
This cinematic endeavor is a collaborative production involving UFA Fiction, Warner Bros. Film Productions Germany, and UFA Mitte. The producing team comprises Sebastian Werninger, Tobias Timme, and Katharina Rietz, with Steffen Schier, Julia Hayungs, and Maggie Mackuth serving as co-producers. Financial backing for the film has been secured from a consortium of esteemed institutions, including Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg (MBB), Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung (MDM), FilmFernsehFonds Bayern (FFFB), Filmförderanstalt (FFA), Deutscher Filmförderfonds (DFFF), and Bayerische Staatskanzlei.
The enduring popularity of Kästner's novel has led to numerous adaptations over the decades, with the most recent prior film version released in 2001. Beyond the screen, the story has also graced the stage, notably with Carl Miller's adaptation premiering at London's National Theatre in 2013, highlighting the timeless appeal of Emil's adventures.
Sebastian Werninger, a producer at UFA Fiction, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that reimagining 'Emil and the Detectives' for a contemporary audience provides a unique opportunity for young viewers to connect with universal values such as friendship, bravery, and self-empowerment. He also conveyed his pleasure in continuing a fruitful collaboration with Global Constellation on this significant film.
Ulrike Schroeder and Fabien Westerhoff of Global Constellation echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their delight in building upon their long-standing relationship with UFA. They anticipate that this new adaptation of an iconic children's literary work will captivate family audiences worldwide, drawing them into Emil's world of wit, daring, and an indomitable spirit of adventure. 'Emil and the Detectives' enriches Global Constellation's growing portfolio of family entertainment, joining other notable titles such as Shea Wageman's CG-animated feature 'Dragoons,' Sébastien Laudenbach's 'Viva Carmen,' and Federico Milella's upcoming CG-animated adventure 'The Last Dinosaur.' Global Constellation is a component of Vuelta, a pan-European film studio that encompasses production, distribution, and sales operations.
This initiative represents a significant step for Global Constellation in expanding its reach within the international film market, particularly in the realm of family entertainment. The blend of a classic story with modern storytelling techniques, supported by a strong production and distribution team, positions 'Emil and the Detectives' to resonate with both nostalgic adults and new generations of young viewers, fostering an appreciation for enduring tales of childhood heroism and camaraderie.