“Sneakermania,” the Cannes series competition film helmed by Netflix’s “Dance Brothers” choreographer Ima Iduozee, has been snapped up by Noseeky Distribution, which has acquired global distribution rights outside of Finland.
The deal was announced by Mia Ylonen (Icebreaker, Codename Annika), a renowned Finnish writer and head of drama at Helsinki Film, as the ninth Cannes series draws to a close.
“Sneakermania is a unique story of friendship and careers in the internationally glamorous world of sneakers, with a diverse cast showcasing Scandinavia from an entirely new and refreshing angle,” said Maria Kivinen, Director of Sales, Acquisitions and Co-Productions at Noseeky Distribution, adding:
The YA drama, which has been available since February on Finnish pubcaster Yle’s platform Yle Arena, is produced by local giant Helsinki Film and marks the series debut of noted choreographer-turned-film director Iduozee. “I believe that Ylonen is the next best thing to come out of Finland. He is a young, creative and unique director whose vivid vision has never been seen on Finnish screens before,” Ylonen previously told Variety.
The eight-part, 15-minute series, co-written by Viliya Keskimaki, Jani Eilainen, Aleksi Aro-Heinila, and Zakariya Nour, follows Ola, a 17-year-old ambitious sneakerhead who wants to become the city’s number one fashion influencer. “This is a coming-of-age story told in an inclusive, humane and forward-thinking way that puts today’s Helsinki youth at the center of the storytelling,” Iduozee said.
The lead cast includes Mohamed El-Waver, Ada Mustonen, Jose Noushainen, Jacir Osman, Aja Wade, Mitra Matouf, and Salah Issey Mohamed.
Commenting on audience reaction to the Cannes series after its international premiere at the Grand Théâtre Lumière on Monday, Ylonen said: “The reception was overwhelmingly positive, with the series’ high-visual style clearly distinguishing itself. Audiences and the press were particularly impressed with the Helsinki sneakers. They were keen to hear about Heads’ culture and the series’ organic use of social media. Perhaps people were used to seeing a dark, cold Scandinavian noir series from Finland and were positively surprised to see it sunny.” A bright young adult series! ”
“Sneakermania” was the second Ale series to be screened at the Cannes series, along with the psychological thriller “Guts”, which was screened at the Cannes series, and bowed out in the feature competition, winning best performance for Rutha Söderholm.
The YA series “Sneakermania” is the latest work by Kivinen, who founded Finnish television, film sales and finance company Norsekey Distribution less than a year ago after more than a decade at Yle Sales.
“Sneaker Mania” provided by: Helsinki Film
