Global Constellation Boards Contemporary Adaptation of Classic ‘Emil and the Detectives’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Finance and sales outfit Global Constellation has boarded international sales on the upcoming live-action family feature “Emil and the Detectives.”

The film is a contemporary adaptation of Erich Kästner’s classic 1929 novel, which has been translated into more than 60 languages since its original publication and remains a cornerstone of children’s literature. The film is written by Antonia Scheurlen and directed by David Dietl.

Currently in post-production, the film is slated for a theatrical release across German-speaking territories next fall via Warner Bros. Pictures.

The story follows young Emil, whose money for his grandmother is stolen during his train trip to Berlin. Determined to get it back, he teams up with a fearless group of kids to outsmart a clever thief, uncover hidden clues across the city, and discover the true power of friendship and courage.

The film is a co-production of UFA Fiction, Warner Bros. Film Productions Germany and UFA Mitte. Producers are Sebastian Werninger, Tobias Timme and Katharina Rietz. Co-producers are Steffen Schier, Julia Hayungs and Maggie Mackuth.

The film is funded by Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg (MBB), Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung (MDM), FilmFernsehFonds Bayern (FFFB), Filmförderanstalt (FFA), Deutscher Filmförderfonds (DFFF) and Bayerische Staatskanzlei.

Kästner’s novel has been adapted for the screen multiple times since the 1930s, most recently in 2001. It has also been brought to the stage, with Carl Miller’s adaptation opening on the main Olivier stage at London’s National Theatre in 2013.

Sebastian Werninger, the film’s producer at UFA Fiction, said: “Reimagining Erich Kästner’s ‘Emil and the Detectives’ for today’s world unlocks tremendous potential for young audiences to connect with timeless, universal values such as friendship, courage and self-empowerment. We are very happy to continue our successful collaboration with Global Constellation on this project.”

“We’re delighted to build on our longstanding relationship with UFA, bringing this new adaptation of an iconic piece of children’s literature to the market, inviting family audiences worldwide to fall in love with Emil’s wit, bravery and unstoppable sense of adventure,” said ​Ulrike Schroeder and Fabien Westerhoff of Global Constellation in a statement.

“Emil and the Detectives” marks the latest family entertainment title to join the Global Constellation slate, following the recently announced CG-animated feature “Dragoons” by Shea Wageman. The company is also in the market with first footage from “Viva Carmen” by Sébastien Laudenbach, alongside a new clip from the upcoming CG-animated adventure “The Last Dinosaur” by Federico Milella.

Global Constellation is part of Vuelta, a pan-European film studio with operations spanning production, distribution and sales.