A Portion of the Net Proceeds to Benefit Relief Efforts, Affected Ukrainian Citizens, and Refugees
Shout! Studios, the multi-platform entertainment distribution and production arm of Shout! Factory, and All Rights Entertainment have entered an exclusive film deal to bring the new animated feature GULLIVER RETURNS to the United States. A production of Gulliver Films and 95 Animation Studio in the Ukraine, the adventure-filled reimagining of the classic Gulliver Travels tale is based on an idea by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The English-language movie is directed by Ilya Maksimov (Dobrinya and the Dragon) with Tony Bonilla (Encanto, Moana) as animation director. Shout! Factory will be donating a portion of the net proceeds from the sales of GULLIVER RETURNS to support ongoing efforts in disaster relief in Ukraine through World Central Kitchen (WCK), founded by Chef José Andrés. World Central Kitchen is a non-profit organization that provides fresh meals in response to crises while working to build resilient food systems with locally led solutions. The announcement was made today by Melissa Boag, Shout’s Executive Vice President of Kids & Family Entertainment, Chantal Chauzy, Head of International Sales & Acquisitions at All Rights Entertainment, and Jordan Fields, Vice President of Acquisitions at Shout! Studios.
Shout! Studios has secured exclusive U.S. distribution rights and limited rights in Bermuda and Bahamas to GULLIVER RETURNS, including theatrical and home entertainment rights (digital, video-on-demand, broadcast, and packaged media) for cross-platform releases. Shout plans a strategic rollout of this movie across multiple entertainment platforms this summer.
A Ukrainian production, Gulliver Returns is based on President Volodymyr Zelensky’s idea and ideals: Jonathan Swift’s classic character Gulliver is not a giant in size, but a giant in heart and courage.
“We’re excited and honored that All Rights Entertainment and the filmmakers have chosen to partner with us on this highly entertaining family film. In addition to having an engaging storyline and memorable characters, this inspiring and uplifting animated movie features positive messages that movie audiences and parents will appreciate. This socially relevant and timely film will spark dialogue and impact everyone who sees it,” stated Melissa Boag. “We look forward to presenting Gulliver Returns to a broad movie audience through a wide variety of entertainment distribution platforms this summer.”
"With each passing day Volodymyr Zelensky is teaching the world about heroism, community and courage in the face of external threat to freedom. So it's no surprise his creative ideas and values have infused this charming take on a classic character and his own adventure," stated Jordan Fields, Vice President of Acquisitions.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Shout Factory on this fun and surprisingly relevant film. With Shout Factory’s years of expertise and skillful dedication to high quality kids and family animation films, we are confident that Gulliver Returns will reach the widest audience possible. The producers, their team, and us at All Rights Entertainment are very grateful and touched by Shout Factory’s admirable generosity towards the people of Ukraine and can’t thank them enough,” stated Chantal Chauzy, Head of International Sales & Acquisitions at All Rights Entertainment.
The movie deal was negotiated by Jordan Fields and Steven Katz, Shout’s Vice President of Business Affairs for Shout! Studios, and Chantal Chauzy on behalf of All Rights Entertainment and the filmmakers.
World Central Kitchen is active in Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Moldova, Slovakia, Hungary, Spain, and Germany, and is focused on providing meals for as many people as possible at border crossings, shelters, and other locations by working with local restaurants, caterers, and food trucks.
GULLIVER RETURNS Movie Synopsis
A re-imagining of the Gulliver classics from the team behind Zootopia, Big Hero 6, and Rio 2.
World traveler, giant and adventurer Gulliver is invited to return to Lilliput, the town he previously saved from the enemy fleet of the neighbouring Blefuscu. But when Gulliver returns as an ordinary man, the town folks are less than welcoming… Meanwhile, the invincible Blefuscu armada is at the gates of the city and threatening with another attack. Gulliver will have to prove that it is not necessary to be a giant to do great things, but that a little bit of luck, bravery, friendship, and sword skills are all you need!
Directed by Ilya Maksimov
General Producer, Oleg Khodachuk
Screenplay by Michael Ryan
Original Idea by Volodymyr Zelensky, Borys Shefir, Serhiy Shefir, Andriy Yakovlev
Produced by Evgen Yarmilko, Igor Nikolaev, Andriy Yakovlev, Serhiy Shefir, Borys Shefir
Inspired by "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift
Music by Dmitro Shurov, Yuriy Melnychuk, Andriy Golovan
Art Directors, Sergei Andrievskii, Serhiy Mohylnyy
Editor, Alexandr Synko
Director of Animation, Tony Bonilla