OK
1999
By Anita Killi & Randall Meyers
The King who wanted more than a Crown
Synopsis
"The King who wanted more than a Crown" is a modern fable suitable for audiences of all ages. The story begins when a king mysteriously disappears from his castle. For six days, the castle staff search frantically for him before the commander, castle lord, jester, and second-in-command begin to suspect that perhaps the king has died. Accepting this possibility, they set out on a journey to find a new ruler.
During their quest, the group encounters several interesting characters, including a shy mouse, a cheerful fish, and a formidable but not particularly intelligent guard whom they narrowly escape. As they explore the world beyond the castle, they discover various potential candidates for the throne: a musical king, a meticulous and tidy king, a colorful king, a king of animals, and a swift king. However, as is typical in fables, appearances can be deceiving, though the story ultimately concludes with a happy ending.
The film combines whimsical storytelling with valuable life lessons, wrapped in a colorful and imaginative package that appeals to viewers of all ages.
Festivals
Credits
DIRECTORS: Anita Killi & Randall Meyers
SCREENPLAY: Lars Saaby Christensen
ORCHESTRA: The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
DESIGN: Hege Krogvig Bergstrand & Anita Killi
BACKGROUNDS: Hege Ellingsrud
ANIMATION: Triin Sarapik & Märt Kivi (NUKU Film)
PHOTO: Carsten Andersen
EDITOR: Skule Eriksen
VOICES: Øyvind Blunck
PRODUCER: Randall Meyers / Floating World Films
ANIMATION STUDIO: Trollfilm AS
SUPPORTED BY: Audiovisuelt ProduksjonsfondNorwegian Film Institute about The King that Wanted More than a Crown
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Mission
The project aims to explore the boundary between fine art and cinematic expression, creating a visual dialogue between past and present. Through its poetic approach, the film strives to capture the atmospheric quality, mysticism, and emotional depth inherent in Kittelsen's original paintings while inviting viewers to experience them in a completely new dimension.
About the film
"The King who wanted more than a Crown" is an animated film created specifically to be paired with live musical performances. Composer Randall Meyers developed the concept with the aim of introducing children to live orchestral music while enjoying a cinema experience. The film premiered at the Norwegian Film Festival in Haugesund in 1999, where the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra provided a live musical accompaniment.
The film features narration and voice work by Øyvind Blunck, though the original concept of having him perform live character gesticulations on stage was ultimately abandoned. Notable Norwegian author Lars Saabye Christensen also participated as a narrator during some screenings, performing a rap-style delivery of several songs from the film while seated on a bar stool.
Following its premiere, the film toured internationally with live musical performances. In its domestic release, the film was distributed in Norwegian cinemas alongside a Danish animated feature.
"The King who wanted more than a Crown" received critical acclaim, winning the "SILVER NUGGET" award for Best Norwegian Film for Children in 1999. The following year, it was honored at the prestigious Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival) with the Best Short Film for Children award.
The film stands out for its distinctive visual style, featuring unique design elements and animation techniques that set it apart from conventional children's films. The complete running time of the film is 28 minutes.