AFM: Ukranian Animated Film 'The Stolen Princess' Sells to China

The success of the film, which has also sold across Europe and the Middle East, follows that of Russian franchises 'Snow Queen' and 'Sheep and Wolves.'

Ukrainian animated feature The Stolen Princess has sold to China, Germany, the Middle East, North Africa and a raft of other territories after its debut at the American Film Market last month.

The sales, by Kiev-based Film.UA Group at AFM, reflect the growing strength of animation from the region. Russia's Wizart also had strong sales for the latest episode of its leading franchise Snow Queen and fellow animated film, Sheep and Wolves.

The Stolen Princess tells the story of Ruslan, a young warrior determined to marry the king's daughter Mila. When they meet love soon blossoms, only to be threatened by an evil sorcerer, Chernomor, who kidnaps the princess, planning to sacrifice her to give him immortality.

UA confirmed The Stolen Princess closed sales to China, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, as well as countries of the Middle East and North Africa, after an AFM screening of a "work-in-progress" version of the feature. Several more territories are currently under negotiation.

"We understand that even such work-in-progress screenings are a necessary part for the project's international promotion campaign, and we plan to keep using this instrument at future markets," said Film.UA Group international sales manager Yevgeny Drachov.

The film will next screen at the European Film Market in Berlin in February.

The Stolen Princess has previously sold to South Korea, France and French-speaking territories in Europe, Poland, Bulgaria, Iran and Israel.