In a significant development for animation enthusiasts, Sola Media has released the international trailer for the highly anticipated film Monster Mia. Coinciding with the start of the European Film Market (EFM), the company has also announced a series of new distribution agreements aimed at increasing the film’s global visibility.
Monster Mia takes place in the picturesque town of Primrose, where a spirited young girl embarks on a transformative journey. Expelled from her local school, Mia is sent to the mysterious Rotwood Academy, where her classmates are not typical students but rather monsters. Accompanied by her loyal pet rat, Quentin, Mia strives to find her place while learning to celebrate her uniqueness.
Behind the scenes: From pages to the screen
This animated feature draws inspiration from the popular Monstrous Maud book series by UK author A. B. Saddlewick. Known as Monster Mia in Germany, the series’ adaptation for film has attracted attention from buyers since Sola Media first showcased it at the American Film Market (AFM). The film is set to be released in October 2026, strategically timed to coincide with the Halloween season, promising an engaging experience for audiences.
Global interest and distribution deals
As anticipation for Monster Mia mounts, Sola Media has successfully secured various international distribution deals. These agreements span regions including the Baltics with ACME Film, CIS with Exponenta, and additional markets such as Hungary, Romania, Israel, and Scandinavia. The film is also reaching audiences in Italy, Ukraine, and Vietnam, highlighting its widespread appeal.
Previously announced agreements extend to countries like Poland, Greece, Bulgaria, Mongolia, and the former Yugoslavia, reflecting strong interest in this animated feature. In Germany, the theatrical release is scheduled for October 2026, perfectly timed to capture the Halloween audience.
Universal themes resonate globally
Dunja Bernatzky, Managing Director of Arx Anima, reported an overwhelmingly positive response to Monster Mia. “We’ve been absolutely thrilled by the response to Monster Mia from distributors around the world,” she stated. The film’s core themes of belonging, friendship, and the importance of embracing one’s true self resonate with children and families across diverse cultures.
Strategic timing for a Halloween release
Sola Media’s Managing Director, Solveig Langeland, highlighted the film’s seasonal appeal. “ Monster Mia is a Halloween adventure that speaks to children and families across cultures,” she explained. This seasonal aspect enables coordinated releases across different markets, ensuring audiences can enjoy the film during Halloween festivities.
Sales and Market Manager Isabel Schneider emphasized that the planned rollout for Halloween 2026 is expected to facilitate a synchronized international release. “That strong Halloween positioning also makes the film perfectly suited for coordinated international releases,” she noted, referencing a previous successful collaboration for another holiday film, A Mouse Hunt for Christmas, which garnered over 2.2 million admissions worldwide.
As excitement builds for Monster Mia, it is evident that this animated feature will entertain while delivering vital messages about identity and acceptance, making it a must-see for families this Halloween.