The animated family adventure Pirate Mo and the Legend of the Red Ruby has sold widely, establishing significant international momentum ahead of its scheduled market premiere. The surge in global interest follows the official debut of the film’s first teaser trailer on October 22, 2026.
The film is set to be a focal point at the upcoming American Film Market (AFM), which returns to the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles from November 10 to 15. The project’s ability to clear several territories before its market screening highlights the continued commercial strength of independent European animation in the global marketplace.
Directed by Florian Westermann, the project is produced by Ulysses Filmproduktion. The creative team carries a strong industry pedigree, having previously produced the award-winning The Amazing Maurice. That background has helped Pirate Mo attract several high-profile distributors early in its sales cycle. According to The Playmaker Munich, the film is based on the bestselling novel Seeräubermoses by acclaimed author Kirsten Boie.
The story follows a young girl named Mo, who was discovered as an infant in a wicker basket on the open sea. Raised by a crew of pirates, Mo eventually embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of her origins while navigating the “Legend of the Red Ruby.”
Global Distribution Network
Distribution rights for North America were previously secured by Viva Pictures. In Europe, the film has finalized deals with major regional players, including KMBO for France and Paradiso for the Benelux territories. These agreements are part of a broader expansion into international markets.
The film’s presence at AFM 2026 is expected to finalize remaining open territories as the production nears its wide theatrical rollout. By leveraging a well-known literary property and the track record of its production house, the project enters the Los Angeles market as one of the more established family titles in the current sales environment.
