Dragon Girl

Just before Christmas, a small Norwegian town is getting ready for the holidays. Only eleven-year-old Sara (Isha Zainab Khan) can’t look forward to the season of love – and of loving your neighbour. Afraid of being deported, she hides from the police and gets by in empty houses. So far, so hopeless. Then, of all places, a young dragon crashes into her hideout – a dragon just as alone as she is. Shortly afterwards, outsider Mortimer (Iver Aunbu Sandemose), an aspiring YouTuber for whom ten “likes” are already a big deal, discovers the two of them – and has to decide: betray them or protect them? Not so easy when the police and the military are soon hot on your heels. Director Katarina Launing combines a classic family adventure with a serious subject without overwhelming her young audience. The story of flight and impending deportation is told in a child-friendly yet honest way, and the dragon becomes a tender metaphor for being an outsider. Humour, suspense and winter magic are perfectly balanced, and the young leads are convincing. “Dragon Girl” turns out to be a heartwarming Christmas film about friendship and courage that became a box-office hit in Norway! Recommended for ages eight and up. The German children’s film guide KinderFilmWelt writes: “This computer-animated dragon fits very well into the children’s world, and you get to see it in thrilling flying scenes. The dragon makes it easier for Sara and Mortimer to become friends, because they both really want it to find its way back home. The film has lots of surprises in store for you. Just when you think you know where the exciting scenes are heading, things often turn out quite differently. A film you can enjoy with your family – and not only at Christmas.”