(courtesy First Showing)
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While visiting a Christmas market in her Norwegian town, 8-year-old Mariann (starring Marte Klerck-Nilssen) suddenly sees an unbelievable sight: on the top shelf of a carnival game booth, the most adorable stuffed teddy bear has just moved his head and sneezed. Feeling an instant connection with the living stuffed-animal, Mariann can’t think of any better Christmas wish than to win him as a prize. But when someone else wins him, it’s up to Teddy and his new hedgehog friend, Bolla, to reconnect and discover the true importance of family and friendship. Teddy’s Christmas, originally known as Teddybjørnens jul in Norwegian, is directed by the Norwegian filmmaker Andrea Eckerbom, directing her second feature film after Forgotten Christmas previously, and work as a casting director before. The screenplay is written by Lars Gudmestad and Harald Rosenløw-Eeg. Produced by Thea Benedikte and Kevin Karlsen. (courtesy First Showing)
Teddy’s Christmas releases in US cinemas on 1 December after previously releasing in most of Europe Christmas 2022; no word on an Australian release at this time.
(courtesy First Showing (c) AppleTV+)
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Based on the treasured, classic children’s book by Margery Williams, Apple TV+’s The Velveteen Rabbit adaptation celebrates the magic of unconditional love. When 7-year-old William receives a new favorite toy for Christmas, he discovers a lifelong friend and unlocks a world of magic. The Velveteen Rabbit is a short film directed by TV director Jennifer Perrott, who has directed episodes for the series Home and Away, Doctor Who, Gentleman Jack, The Midwich Cuckoos, Rain Dogs previously. The animation is directed by the animation filmmaker Rick Thiele, his first major project after many short films previously. With writing by Tom Bidwell. Based on the book written by Margery Williams, originally published in 1922. It’s produced by Martin Pope and Simon Quinn; executive produced by Michael Rose. (courtesy First Showing)
The Velveteen Rabbit premieres on AppleTV+ on 22 November; this has shot to the top of my Must Watch list since it’s based on a book I adore and which made me really understand what conditional love is.