International sales agent The Playmaker Munich has secured a substantial wave of distribution agreements for the upcoming animated family film “Pirate Mo and the Legend of the Red Ruby,” pushing its footprint to more than 50 countries worldwide. The commercial milestone comes just ahead of the film's scheduled market premiere at the American Film Market, accompanied by the public debut of its first teaser.
The high-seas animated adventure is directed by Florian Westermann, previously known for co-directing "The Amazing Maurice." Bringing an established children's literary property to the screen, the feature is based on the novel "Seeräubermoses" by Kirsten Boie, with the adapted screenplay co-written by Richie Conroy and Westermann.
Select Territory Distributors for 'Pirate Mo and the Legend of the Red Ruby'
| Territory | Distributor |
|---|---|
| Australia and New Zealand | Umbrella Entertainment |
| Baltics | Garsu Pasaulio Irasai |
| Benelux | Just4Kids |
| Bulgaria | Pro Films |
| Czech Republic and Slovakia | DonArt Production |
| Germany and Austria | DCM Distribution |
| Israel | FilmHouse |
| Middle East | Grand Entertainment for Motion Pictures |
| North America | Viva Pictures Distribution |
| Poland | M2 Films |
| Scandinavia | Njutafilms |
| Vietnam | Skyline Media |
Worldwide Distribution Expansion Ahead of AFM
Fresh momentum for the project includes newly inked distribution rights across multiple key international territories. Umbrella Entertainment has acquired the rights for Australia and New Zealand, while FilmHouse secured distribution for Israel, and Skyline Media took rights for Vietnam.
These newly confirmed deals expand an already expansive roster of worldwide buyers. North American distribution was previously secured by Viva Pictures Distribution. Across Europe and surrounding regions, the project previously sold to Blitz for the former Yugoslavian territories, Rosebud.21 for Greece, ADS for Hungary and Romania, Outsider Films for Portugal, Njutafilms for Scandinavia, Filmarti for Turkey, and Svoekino for Ukraine.
Additional European territories on board include the Baltics through Garsu Pasaulio Irasai, the Benelux region through Just4Kids, Bulgaria via Pro Films, the Czech Republic and Slovakia through DonArt Production, and Poland via M2 Films. Grand Entertainment for Motion Pictures holds rights across the Middle East. For German and Austrian audiences, DCM Distribution is handling theatrical distribution, locking in an official theatrical premiere date of April 29, 2027.
Storyline: High-Seas Adventure and Ancient Prophecy
"Pirate Mo and the Legend of the Red Ruby" centers on Mo, a young girl who found herself taken in as an infant by a crew of ragtag buccaneers. Raised aboard their vessel by the warmhearted Captain Claas alongside their unusual crew companion—a pet goat—Mo's life takes a perilous turn upon being seized by the villainous pirate Peg Leg Olle.
While in captivity, Mo crosses paths with an inventive cabin boy named Hannes and his feathered companion. Uniting forces with Hannes, Captain Claas, the seafaring crew, and their animals, Mo sets out to overcome Peg Leg Olle. Her mission ties into a destiny foretold in her youth: locating the legendary Blood Red Ruby of Doom to bring stability and peace back to the realm.
Production Partners and Institutional Support
The animated project represents a wide-ranging co-production involving multiple specialized animation and film companies. Production duties are shared between Ulysses Films, Letterbox Filmproduktion, Isla Molona AIE, Arxlight Pictures, and Arx Anima.
The producing lineup features Emely Christians, Sonja Matthes, Michael Lehmann, Holger Ellermann, Dunja Bernatzky, Kris Staber, Nicolás Matji, and Edmon Roch.
The feature has drawn considerable backing from European public institutions and arts programs. Funding and institutional support have been provided by ICAA, OEFI+, DFFF, MOIN Film Fund Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein, FFA, BKM, OEFI, ICEC, FFW, and Creative Europe MEDIA Slate Funding.
With distribution partnerships now spanning dozens of territories, "Pirate Mo and the Legend of the Red Ruby" moves toward its market screening at the American Film Market, while setting up an extensive international theatrical rollout led by its German-speaking premiere in spring 2027.
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Source: Variety
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