Viva Kids Acquires Three New Animated Films as Upcoming Releases – Film News in Brief

Jun 18, 2026 6:00pm PT Independent distributor Viva Kids has acquired the animated films “Treasure Trekkers,” “Space Cadet,” and “Pirate Mo and the Legend of the Red Ruby” to add to its upcoming release calendar; specific dates to be announced later.“Treasure Trekkers” is based on J.S.

Friedman’s children’s book series “Maurice’s Valises,” which follows the “adventures of young explorers on quests around the world.” Directed by Kevin Munroe, the film features a voice cast including Alan Cumming, Jack McBrayer, Greg Cipes, Tara Strong, Meredith Bull, and John DiMaggio.Directed by Kid Koala (Eric San) and featuring Karen and Emilíana Torrini, “Space Cadet” tells the tale of “astronaut Celeste who launches into space on her first solo mission, leaving behind Robot, the guardian who raised her.

Alone for the first time, each must confront what it means to let go. As Celeste faces unexpected dangers in the vast reaches of space,her memories become her only compass.”Adapted from the children’s book “Seeräubermoses” by Kirsten Boie, “Pirate Mo and the Legend of the Red Ruby” is “a swashbuckling adventure full of heart, guts, and hope for a better world, led by a young girl whose goodness is matched only by her derring-do.”

The film is directed by Florian Westerman.The deals were negotiated by Mayank Jhalani for Viva Pictures, Jason Bressand for “Treasure Trekkers,” Florencia Gil for “Space Cadet” and Gamze Celik for “Pirate Mo and the Legend of the Red Ruby.” Related Stories How 'Lord of the Flies' Pulled Off Piggy's Emotional Death on an 'Uninhabited' Island: 'It Makes Me Cry Every Time' Apple Original Films Making Animated Adaptation of Children’s Book 'Little Santa,' 'Flight of the Conchords' Star Bret McKenzie Will Write Songs Thursday, June 18 Crayola Studios Names Nicole Graves as Winner of Kids’ Content Development Initiative Popular on Variety Crayola Studios, the children’s and family entertainment content division of Crayola, has named Nicole Graves as the first-ever winner of its Kids’ Content Development Initiative, in partnership with Geena Davis and the Bentonville Film Festival.

Graves will receive $10,000 and the opportunity for development of the winning concept by Crayola Studios for her series “ImagINN.” The animated series for children 6 to 11 sees kids check into a colorful hotel that helps them navigate big emotions through imagination, creativity, and self-expression. Sabrina Wiewel, EVP and Head of Crayola Studios, said: “We were blown away by the imagination, heart, and originality of the submissions to this new initiative, designed to create opportunities for creatives with fresh perspectives and original ideas that can inspire the next generation.

Our five finalists all created exceptionally strong and intriguing proposals, making it a hard task to choose just one, but we were totally captivated by [winner’s] presentation which aligns perfectly with Crayola’s values. Now we look forward to working together to develop the idea into exciting new content to engage and inspire young viewers.” Crayola Studios also announced a development deal with Kickstart Entertainment for “Create the Impossible,” a new live-action STEAM series for kids co-created by astronaut, MIT-engineer turned Emmy-nominated science TV host Emily Calandrelli and multi Emmy and Peabody award-winning executive Maria Pepin.

Emily Calandrelli said: “I’m thrilled to be partnering with Kickstart Entertainment and Crayola Studios on Create the Impossible. Crayola has inspired generations of kids to think creatively, making them the perfect partner for a show that celebrates imagination, experimentation, and big ideas. Together, we’ll challenge kids to dream boldly, embrace curiosity, and discover what can happen when art and engineering collide!”

Wagner Moura and Greta Lee Fight for Survival in ‘The Last House’ Trailer Netflix has released the trailer for “The Last House,” starring Greta Lee and Wagner Moura. Per the official description, the sci-fi thriller is directed by Louis Leterrier and follows “a family of four who are suddenly sealed inside their home with no way out. They must work together to survive against both their dwindling resources and the mysterious threat keeping them trapped.”

Gabriel Barbosa, Emma Ho, Noah Alexander Sosnowski, and Riley Chung round out the cast. “The Last House” marks Moura’s first film since his Academy Award-nominated performance in “The Secret Agent.” Lee — who is best known for her work in “Past Lives” and will appear in “Toy Story 5” this month — adds the film to her body of work exploring identity, relationships, and personal growth.

The film premieres globally on Netflix on August 7. Watch the trailer below. Wednesday, June 17 Jimmy Stewart Biopic ‘Jimmy’ to Open Heartland Film Festival The upcoming Jimmy Stewart biopic “Jimmy” is set to open the Heartland Film Festival on October 8.

With KJ Apa leading the cast as the Oscar-winning performer, “Jimmy” tells the untold true story of