Qatar-based powerhouse BeIN Media Group, a co-owner of U.S. indie studio Miramax, has taken distribution rights across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to live-action pre-school series “Saïd & Anna,” which has been nominated for this year’s Banff World Media Festival‘s Rockie Awards.
Dutch sales agent Incredible Film has announced a MENA distribution deal with the group’s BeIN Neo unit on the show, which celebrates children’s autonomy and launched last year from Mip Junior.
“Saïd & Anna,” which is a unique co-prod between three European public broadcasters – the Netherlands’ EO/NPO Zappelin: Germany’s SWR/Kika, and Belgium’s VRT/Ketnet – will now be available across MENA in Arabic, English and French on free-to-air, pay-TV and VOD.
“Saïd & Anna” follows best friends Saïd, who is 6, and Anna, who is 7. They hang out every day in a shop that offers a wide range of repair services. Besides celebrating friendship and children’s autonomy, the show also focuses on topics such as sustainability and diversity with what is described as a fresh style and a cinematic feel. The show’s stated premise is: “Everything and everyone deserves a second chance. Nothing is beyond repair.”
“We are delighted to announce this new deal with BeIN Neo, which further reflects the international appeal of ‘Saïd & Anna’ and its ability to resonate with young audiences around the world,” Incredible Film CEO Daniëlle Raaphorst said in a statement.
As part of their new partnership, Incredible Film further announced that BeIN Neo will also handle MENA distribution of select titles from their kids slate including the feature “A Most Annoying Island” and animated short form series “Pim and Pom at the Museum.”
“A Most Annoying Island” is the story of a smart, shy and partially hearing-impaired 12-year-old boy who strives to break an anicent curse that makes every resident and visitor of a strange, small island “insufferable to be around,” according to the provided synopsis. “Pim and Pom at the Museum” is about two curious cats named Pim and Pom who take kids on a journey through the visual arts in the form of famous international art collections from Dutch museums.
