Viva Pictures has acquired the North American rights to the cutting-edge Chinese 3D animation film, “Deep Sea.”
The film, which has been making a very successful festival run, first premiered at this year’s Berlin Film Festival. Other festivals include Tribeca Film Festival, Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Fantasia International Film Festival, Sitges Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival, Sydney SXSW, Amsterdam Cinekid and Tokyo International Film Festival.
It will also be featured at Denver Film Festival and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards later this year. The movie will be released only in select theaters nationwide on November 24, 2023.
“Viva Pictures is honored to join forces once more with Mr. Tian Xiaopeng following our successful release of his movie, Monkey King: Hero Is Back, in 2015,” said Victor Elizalde, president of Viva Pictures. “Deep Sea represents a pivotal juncture at Viva, as we embrace a renewed commitment to championing cinematic artistry characterized by breathtaking visuals and enthralling story telling. Deep Sea is a truly unique cinematic experience that belongs on the big screen, continuing our ongoing dedication to theatrical releases.”
Directed by Tian Xiaopeng (Monkey King: Hero Is Back), the Mandarin-language film tells the story of a young girl named Shenxiu, who is unexpectedly swept into the sea during a family cruise and stumbles upon a mysterious restaurant under the waves. There, she meets the scheming head chef Nanhe, and his ragtag crew of adorable otters and sarcastic walruses. They join forces to save the restaurant and reunite Shenxiu with her long-lost mother in a kaleidoscopic, dreamlike world of swirling color and dazzling views.
With a production budget of $80 million, animation enthusiasts will be able to witness a unique 3D theatrical experience. “Deep Sea” is an artistic film that is a departure from the Viva’s signature kids and family-oriented films. “Deep Sea” was produced by Yi Qiao (Ne Zha), Wang Jing (Legend of Deification) and Wei Yunyun (Ne Zha).
ABOUT VIVA PICTURES
Viva Pictures is a Los Angeles based film production studio and all-rights distributor with a proven track record of releasing films theatrically and through major digital platforms. In 2023, Viva ushered the animated indie THE AMAZING MAURICE to Sundance Film Festival and to 2,000 theaters in North America. Viva has led the production and distribution on animated and live-action movies such as RALLY ROAD RACERS (starring J.K. Simmons and Jimmy O. Yang), 100% WOLF (starring Jane Lynch, Samara Weaving, Loren Gray), and R.L. Stine’s ZOMBIE TOWN (starring Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Madi Monroe).