The North American audiences at SXSW have chosen to honour Norwegian NINJABABY with The Audience Award in the Global Section, affirming the unique and broad appeal of the film.
Director, Yngvild Sve Flikke, comments on the award:
“I’m thrilled and very happy that Ninjababy speaks to the American audience. I’ve gotten such wonderful feedback from people who’ve seen the film at SXSW, both laughing and crying. That really moves me. Thanks to everyone who voted!”
Earlier this month, NINJABABY had its international premiere in the Generation 14plus section at Berlin International Film Festival, where it was also warmly received by the audiences.
The international critics are equally excited and have welcomed the film to world with open arms:
"This quirky, partly animated dramedy from Norway, about a 20-something cartoonist who gets pregnant but is not ready to be a mother — looks like the antidote for buyers wanting to escape the dread of the current news cycle.”
- The Hollywood Reporter
“Funny, forthright and eclectic, this repeatedly perceptive film takes life’s messiness in its stride.”
- Screen Daily
“Wonderfully funny and warm”
“Cute, but not cutesy. Quirky, but not wacky. Mostly, it feels entirely populated with real people, and yet is still funny.”
- Indiewire
“A bold and refreshing comedy”
“Ninjababy is not only funny, it’s true”.
- Sight & Sound
"A brilliant and quirky dramedy about womanhood and the fear of pregnancy."
- Film Fest Report
"...a true gem that you can’t wait to tell everyone about. It’s a feature with universal appeal; one of the best films we’ve seen on the circuit all year and one which should be the top of everyone’s list to see. Heartfelt, tender and sweet joy to watch from start to finish."
- The Hollywood News
"...one of the most enjoyable films of the year"
""Ninjababy" is the type of film you want to enjoy again immediately after it finishes.”
- The Next Best Picture
“...confidently directed, clever and courageous but also totally in control of its materials and multi-disciplinary nature. In less steady hands the comedy brought with the animation could read as juvenile or twee, but Flikke’s film is youthful, artistically curious and messily sincere.”
- International Cinephile Society
The film features an exciting cast of talented young actors, including up-and-coming Kristine Kujath Thorp (BETRAYED, 2020), Arthur Berning (THE WAVE, 2015; IN ORDER OF DISAPPEARANCE, 2014) and Nader Khademi (BEFOREIGNERS, 2019).
SYNOPSIS
When Rakel (23), way too late, finds out she’s six months pregnant after a not-so-romantic one-night stand, her world changes. Her boyfriend, who’s not the father, is kind of ok with her having a baby. But Rakel is absolutely not ready to be a mother. Since abortion is no longer an option, adoption is the only answer. That’s when Ninjababy, an animated character who insists on making Rakel’s everyday life a living hell, turns up. He climbs out from her note book, jumps into her tea cup, and keeps reminding her what a terrible person she is.
NINJABABY is produced by Yngve Sæther for Motlys, with support from The Norwegian Film Institute and Nordisk Film & TV Fond. Nordic distribution through Arthaus in Norway, TriArt in Sweden and Øst for Paradis in Denmark. International sales handled by TrustNordisk.
Expected local release is 21 May 2021.