Goro Miyazaki's Ronja, 'The Robber's Daughter' Acquired from Serious Kids for Italy

Italian pubcaster, RAI, has acquired the broadcast rights to 'Ronja, the Robber's Daughter' from UK distributor Serious Kids, coinciding with the 40 th anniversary of Studio Ghilbi. The series will air on Rai Gulp and RAI Play this Autumn. The property is based on the well-loved 1981 novel, Ronja the Robber's Daughter, by acclaimed writer Astrid Lindgren. RAI have also acquired two specials ‘The Ghastly Ghoul’ (Dreamlogic/Lupus Films for Sky Kids and Kika) and ‘We're Going on a Bear Hunt’ (Lupus Films/Walker Books for Channel 4) as well as the 2 hour movie edit of 'Ronja, the Robber's Daughter' for their holiday programming.

Serious Kids, Studio Ghibli and The Astrid Lindgren Company oversaw the creation of the English version in London which won the International Emmy Kids Awards for best animated series in 2017. The original version of the animated series aired in Japan on NHK to great public and critical acclaim and the later movie edit was created by NHK in collaboration with Studio Ghibli in 2022.

"The fact that these titles have been selected by RAI, a broadcaster with such an esteemed reputation, is a tremendous endorsement of their quality. We are succeeding in major markets, and this deal further strengthens the international presence and longevity of these productions”  Says Leila Ouledcheikh, Director of Global Distribution at Serious Kids.

'I am delighted that Ronja will broadcast on RAI. I believe that through Ronja, the Robber's Daughter, the great Astrid Lindgren encourages children to trust their ability to grow…all the while calling on not only children but also adults to respect one another and to attain freedom in the true sense of the word. I hope that everyone in Italy will enjoy Ronja, and that Astrid's message will reach a world where, unfortunately, conflict is on the rise.' said Goro Miyazaki, Director.

STORY

'Ronja the Robber's Daughter' is the 26-part story of a 10-year-old girl born on a stormy night in a mountain fort, surrounded by her parents and a loving band of robbers. She grows to be a strong and active girl, and discovers that the forest around her is both beautiful and a frightening place inhabited by strange creatures. She befriends the son of her father's rival and so begins the drama of her friendship and family loyalties. We watch as she explores and understands these key factors in her life, and discovers that seemingly irresolvable choices can finally be made with the help of love and understanding.

COMPANY INFORMATION

Serious Kids is a London based boutique distribution company headed up by Founder & CEO Genevieve Dexter and Leila Ouledcheikh, Director of Global Distribution. Established in 2011, the company represents a select catalogue of award winning children's and family programmes from Oscar winning Studio Ghibli and See Saw Productions as well as major producers Lion TV, Lupus Films and All3Media. The catalogue is also sourced from up and coming independents around the including Sparre Productions, Miyu, Godo Films, Dream Logic, Gigglebug and Eagle vs Bat. Please contact [email protected] for any further information.

The Astrid Lindgren Company, owns and manages the rights associated with Astrid Lindgren and her works. One of the most beloved and read children's authors in the world, Astrid Lindgren's literary career started in 1945 with the publication of Pippi Longstocking, and spanned half a century. Other works include Emil in Lönneberga, The Brothers Lionheart, The World's Best Karlsson, The Children of Noisy Village, Mardie, and Rasmus and the Tramp. Hundreds of millions of children and adults all over the world love the characters she created, and feel at home in Villa Villekulla, Nangiyala and the toolshed in Katthult.

Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985 by animated film directors Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki, and has produced twenty-five feature-length films. Most Studio Ghibli films ranked number one at the box office in Japan in the year in which they were released. The Studio's Spirited Away (2001), Howl's Moving Castle (2004) and Princess Mononoke (1997) are among Japan's top 10 grossing films. Studio Ghibli films have garnered numerous awards and critical acclaim from film critics and animation specialists around the world. Spirited Away was awarded the Golden Bear as the Best Feature Film at the 52nd Berlin International Film Festival and won the 75th Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature Film. In 2001, Ghibli Museum, Mitaka designed by Hayao Miyazaki, opened in Mitaka, Tokyo. The Wind Rises (2013), The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013), When Marnie Was There (2014) and The Red Turtle (2016) earned the studio four consecutive nominations for the Academy Awards® for Best Animated Feature Film, and Earwig and the Witch (2020) was an official selection for the 73rd Cannes Film Festival. In 2022, Ghibli Park, a park that represents the world of Studio Ghibli, opened in Nagakute, Aichi. The studio's latest film, The Boy and the Heron (2023) was awarded the Golden Globe® Award, the BAFTA® Film Award and the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature Film in 2024. The studio received Honorary Palme d'Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.