Key Highlights
- Alicia Vikander, Jamie Dornan, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bill Nighy and Gillian Anderson join the voice cast for “The Turning Door.”
- The film is directed by Nicholas Ashe Bateman of Maere Studios.
- Mister Smith Entertainment is handling international sales for the film at AFM 2025.
New Animated Fantasy Film ‘The Turning Door’ Set to Debut at AFM
Home Film Global announced a star-studded cast for their upcoming animated fantasy film, “The Turning Door,” set to premiere at the American Film Market (AFM) in November 2025. The voice cast includes Alicia Vikander from “The Danish Girl” and “Firebrand,” Jamie Dornan from “Belfast,” Jodie Turner-Smith from “Tron: Ares,” Bill Nighy from “Living,” and Gillian Anderson from “Sex Education.”
Director Nicholas Ashe Bateman’s Vision
The film is being directed by Nicholas Ashe Bateman, a filmmaker and VFX supervisor known for his work on critically acclaimed films like “The Wanting Mare.” Bateman is also the founder of Maere Studios, an award-winning VFX and animation studio. “The Turning Door” will feature original music and songs written by Claire Givens from People Museum and Nicholas Ashe Bateman himself.
Story Overview
The film follows Ariadlyn, a young girl who escapes her bedtime to discover an ornate wooden box that opens the door to a magical world called The Turning. To save her parents and return home, she embarks on a journey filled with adventures involving giants, whales, armies, shapeshifters, and acrobatic monkeys.
Production Details
“The Turning Door” is currently in production, with Christine D’Souza Gelb of 2AM Productions overseeing the project. Mister Smith Entertainment is onboard for international sales and will showcase footage to buyers at AFM 2025. 2AM is handling North American sales.
Producer’s Statement
Bateman shared his inspiration behind the film, stating that “The pictures, places, and songs of ‘The Turning Door’ have been with me since I was a child.” He further emphasized the importance of independent animation made by passionate artists in the current cinematic landscape.
AFM 2025 – A Platform for Independent Animation
The American Film Market (AFM), taking place from November 16-23, 2025, is an essential platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their projects. Mister Smith Entertainment’s involvement in promoting “The Turning Door” at AFM highlights the growing interest and support for unique animated content.
Industry Context
The entertainment industry continues to diversify with a focus on family-friendly and original content, as seen with the increasing popularity of animated films. The success of “The Turning Door” could set a new standard for independent animation in the market, competing with larger studio productions while maintaining artistic integrity.
Expert Analysis
David Garrett, CEO of Mister Smith Entertainment, expressed his excitement about the film, stating that it has “the makings of a classic for all audiences for all time.” This sentiment reflects the growing demand for timeless stories that appeal to both children and adults alike.
Conclusion
“The Turning Door” represents a significant opportunity for independent animation in the market. With its star-studded voice cast, unique story, and strong support from industry professionals, the film is poised to make a notable impact at AFM 2025 and beyond.
The production’s success could inspire future collaborations between talented directors like Nicholas Ashe Bateman and established actors such as Alicia Vikander and Jamie Dornan. As animation continues to evolve, films like “The Turning Door” play a crucial role in shaping the future of storytelling.
