From Afro-Animation To European Eco-Innovation: This Week’s Animation News, Including Highlights From MIPCOM 2025

MIPCOM 2025 wrapped up in Cannes yesterday after several days of networking, panels, market screenings, and loads of industry announcements, particularly in the kids and family space. From Afro-animation milestones to European green innovation and classic franchises finding new audiences, here’s a look at several of the week’s top stories from the French market and further abroad.

Roye Okupe Preps ‘Malika: Warrior Queen’

Following the success of Iyanu, the top-rated kids’ show on Showmax, creator Roye Okupe is expanding his Afro-Anime universe with Malika: Warrior Queen. Based on his acclaimed Dark Horse graphic novel, the film reimagines 15th-century West Africa through an anime-inspired lens, blending emotional storytelling with the rhythm and energy of Afrobeats. Produced by Doug Schwalbe and Randy Dormans, with Adesua Etomi-Wellington voicing the title role, Malika could follow in the footsteps of Iyanu, marking another significant milestone in the global rise of Afrocentric animation.

‘Frnck’ Gets Animated

Superprod Animation and France Télévisions are teaming up to develop Frnck, a 26-episode series based on the hit comic book by Olivier Bocquet and Brice Cossu. The story follows a 13-year-old orphan who is suddenly transported to a prehistoric world, where he finds danger, friendship, and a sense of belonging. With over 600,000 copies of the comic sold in nine languages, Frnck has the potential to become a major property in European animation.

Banijay Deals ‘Once Upon a Time…’

Banijay Kids & Family continues to expand the reach of its popular Once Upon a Time… educational entertainment franchise. Its newest season, Once Upon a Time… The Objects, has been acquired by broadcasters in Poland, Turkey, Canada, and Hong Kong, while earlier installments have been picked up across Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Nearly five decades after its creation by Albert Barillé, the franchise remains a beloved and enduring educational property that resonates all around the world.

European Animation Goes Green

AnimFrance and Animation Ireland have joined forces to roll out Carbulator, the first carbon calculator designed specifically for the animation industry, across Europe, backed by Animation in Europe. Screen Ireland is supporting localization, and a pilot project has already been completed with Cartoon Saloon. The initiative aims to standardize carbon measurement tools in the industry by 2027. The project was featured in a European Commission workshop during MIPCOM, highlighting the industry’s commitment to environmental responsibility and collaboration.

Moon-Keys Warms Up ‘Melody & Momon’

Moon-Keys International Content struck a chord at MIPCOM with the global debut of Melody & Momon, a musical animated series produced by Mobo and Dami Just for Kids for RAI Kids. The show follows cheerful Melody and her magical puppy friend Momon as they turn everyday challenges into song-filled adventures. Designed to encourage participation and joy through music and movement, the series combines creativity, friendship, and interactivity, qualities its producers believe will make it a standout for sometimes hard-to-please young audiences.

‘Migali‘ Spins Into Moon-Keys Line-Up

Also presented by Moon-Keys, Migali is a lively 2D comedy for children aged 5 to 8, adapted from the best-selling Auzou Éditions books. The series follows the mischievous Spider Princess Migali at the Royal Academy, where future monarchs learn the ropes of ruling. Produced by Easy Peasy Entertainment and Bardaf! Productions in co-production with TF1, RTBF, VRT, and RTS, Migali combines humor, adventure, and a modern heroine in an inclusive animated story.