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Sola Media Acquires Global Rights for Animated Feature 'Fast Forward', Unveils Footage at Cannes Market

Sola Media has officially acquired the global sales rights for the highly anticipated animated feature film, "Fast Forward." The company is set to debut exclusive first-look footage at the prestigious Cannes Film Market, generating significant buzz within the industry. This collaboration brings together the creative forces of 74 Entertainment, with Jørgen Storm Rosenberg at the helm as producer, and Expanse, where Fredrik Fottland serves as animation producer. Expanse is notably recognized for its past success with "A Mouse Hunt for Christmas," a film that captivated over 2.2 million viewers across Europe.

Scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2027, "Fast Forward" will then have its Norwegian theatrical premiere on September 24, 2027, distributed by SF Studios. The film delves into a compelling premise: a futuristic society where 11-year-olds are subjected to a 'transformation machine,' emerging as fully developed adults, thereby bypassing the traditional stages of childhood. This expedited maturation process, while celebrated by many, presents a profound challenge to 8-year-old Sienna. Her world is turned upside down when her own sister returns from the machine as an unrecognizable stranger, stripped of her youthful essence.

Driven by this unsettling experience, Sienna embarks on a courageous journey to evade her own impending transformation. Her mission extends beyond personal escape; she seeks to safeguard the very concept of childhood and to restore what the world seems to have forgotten. The film is a joint directorial effort by Katarina Launing, celebrated for her previous works such "Kick It" (2014) and "Dragon Girl" (2020), and Will Ashurst, known for directing the "Cattle Hill" series (2020, 2023) and his animation direction on "A Mouse Hunt for Christmas" (2025). The screenplay is penned by Martina Cecelia Befring, whose credits include the feature film "Girls Trip" (2022) and contributions to the TV series "Stayer" (2024).

Producer Jørgen Storm Rosenberg describes "Fast Forward" as a visual ode to the intrinsic value of youthful curiosity in a world that often pressures individuals to mature too rapidly. He articulates the film's ambition to remind audiences of every generation that imagination remains humanity's most potent tool, and that embracing adulthood should not necessitate the abandonment of one's inner child. Solveig Langeland, managing director of Sola Media, expressed her immediate captivation by the film's innovative and unique concept. She highlights the movie's capacity to construct a visually stunning and engaging universe for young audiences and their families, while simultaneously exploring significant themes of growth and individuality. Langeland conveyed her strong conviction in the film's international appeal and her excitement about presenting this thrilling animated adventure to global buyers.

This production promises a thought-provoking narrative wrapped in an imaginative animated world, designed to resonate with both children and adults. The team behind "Fast Forward" aims to deliver a message about the importance of retaining one's sense of wonder and the enduring spirit of youth, even as life progresses. The film's compelling story and experienced creative team position it as a noteworthy entry in the animated feature landscape, poised to spark conversations about societal expectations and the true meaning of growing up.