Film in Minoriti: Living Large

Directed by Caroline Attia Larivière, Ceylan Beyoglu, Olesya Shchukina, Haruna Kishi, Camille Alméras, Natalia Chernysheva

Five enchanting animal fairy tales intercut with playful snowflakes take you on spellbinding journeys from France to Japan and the Far North with its Northern Lights where Christmas magic knows no bounds. Each story is a whimsical adventure filled with charm and wonder, revealing the importance of generosity, helping each other, and the priceless beauty of nature in wintertime.

TALES
The Journey of Santa Claus
The big moving day has arrived, though not quite as Santa imagined. His cozy little house is stranded on a breaking piece of ice, shrinking with every moment. Luckily, a sleepy fox and a determined stork come to his rescue. Together, they set out on a journey to return to solid ground, learning along the way that true friends reveal themselves in moments of trouble.

The Little Chick's First Christmas
On a quiet country farm, the rooster’s dependable crowing kept the henhouse in perfect order. But one morning, his wake-up call was nowhere to be heard, causing complete chaos. Oh no, the rooster is sick! Thankfully, a brave little chick steps up, determined to save the Christmas celebration in the henhouse. Through her efforts, she learns that challenges are much easier to overcome when you work together and face them as a team.

The Last Christmas Tree
A young girl eagerly awaits her trip to the forest with her mother to pick out a Christmas tree. But in the woods, the animals are in despair over the shortage of trees. Luckily, one tree remains, and the animals are determined to protect it. But what if Christmas isn’t just about the tree? Perhaps what truly matters is the company and love shared during the season. After all, Christmas magic can shine anywhere—even on a decorated kitchen chair.

The Tanuki and the Christmas Surprise
While collecting firewood in the forest, two brothers stumble upon a peculiar, adorable creature. Before long, it gets caught in a trap. Despite the heavy snowfall, the brothers do everything they can to free it, but in the process, they lose their way. The grateful creature repays their kindness in an unexpected way: a girl helps guide them home. The brothers learn that appearances don’t matter—it’s helping those in need and celebrating together that truly counts.

The Animal's Great Celebration
A young lynx dreams of seeing the northern lights, but soon finds herself in trouble. Fortunately, animals from near and far join forces to help her, and together, they set off on a journey to White Mountain. Along the way, they discover the beauty of friendship and learn to overcome their fears. Will the lynx reach the mountaintop in time to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the northern lights?

Organisation and execution Kulturna četrt Minoriti, Lutkovno gledališče Maribor • programme selection partners Konzorcij Film in Maribor • programme supported by the Mestna občina Maribor