The Anta Claus of the South Pole: a new, timeless holiday tale from Tonic DNA and the National Film Board of Canada, directed by Cordell Barker

Tonic DNA is partnering with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) on a new co-production directed by two-time Oscar-nominated animator Cordell Barker (The Cat Came Back, Strange Invaders): The Anta Claus of the South Pole, an animated holiday special with a planned 2026 release.

Produced as a 24-minute TV special, The Anta Claus is designed for families, children aged 8 to 12 and anyone who enjoys a fresh and imaginative take on the classic tale of Santa Claus. A Tonic DNA/NFB co-production, the film is produced in association with Crave, a division of Bell Media Inc., with the participation of the Canada Media Fund.

The lead character is voiced in English by acclaimed Canadian actor Tyrone Benskin and in French by comedian and actor Anthony Kavanagh, who has enjoyed great success in Quebec and Europe and also voices several supporting roles. The score is composed by celebrated Montreal musician Martin Léon, known for his work on My Salinger Year, The Good Lie and the Oscar‑nominated Monsieur Lazhar.

The Anta Claus is being distributed by the NFB and has already been acquired in Canada by Bell Media for Crave and is currently attracting interest from international distributors, sales agents and broadcasters.

About the film

The Anta Claus of the South Pole (24-minute TV special)

Executive producers: Howard Huxham (Tonic DNA), Christine Noël (NFB)

Producers: Christine Noël (NFB), Jocelyne Perrier (NFB)

Press kit: The Anta Claus of the South Pole – Media Space

Envious of his northern counterpart, the Anta Claus of the South Pole embarks on a penguin-powered journey to uncover the secret of a flawless Christmas. Along the way, he learns that the true spirit of the holiday lies not in perfection but in the lovable community of oddballs he left behind. This 2D-animated special brings a fresh and delightfully quirky twist to the classic holiday tale, combining Tonic DNA’s renowned creative craftsmanship with the NFB’s long-standing excellence in innovative storytelling.

Quotes:

“I’ve wanted to make this film for a very long time. I love working with anti-hero characters. Anta Claus is spilling over with character flaws, idiosyncrasies, jealousy and frustration. All those imperfections and explosive behaviour come together to create a charmingly flawed individual—like all of us—that audiences will enjoy watching as he finds his place in the world.” – Cordell Barker, filmmaker

“When Cordell Barker first pitched his vision for an alternative Christmas film, it immediately stood out as something very special. Seeing The Anta Claus of the South Pole finally come to life is incredibly rewarding, especially as our first collaboration with the NFB. Beneath the humour and adventure is a heartfelt story about belonging, acceptance and finding your place in the world. We hope audiences welcome Anta Claus into their holiday traditions.” – Howard Huxham, executive producer, Tonic DNA

“The NFB English Animation Unit is thrilled to be working with the team at Tonic DNA to produce this new project from filmmaker Cordell Barker. This collaboration brings together two of his long-standing partners, united by a relationship of trust and a wealth of shared creative experience. Together, they offer an unparalleled production environment to match Cordell’s bold, signature vision—it’s truly the best of both worlds.” – Christine Noël, executive producer, English and French Animation Units, NFB

About filmmaker Cordell Barker

Cordell Barker is a two-time Oscar-nominated animator known for his long association with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), where his films have earned more than 50 international awards. He is best known for acclaimed animated shorts such as The Cat Came Back and Strange Invaders, which blend humour and heart while immersing ordinary characters in surreal situations. In addition to his work with the NFB, Barker has contributed to numerous national and international TV commercials. His films have become audience favourites, often garnering millions of views on the NFB’s website and YouTube channel and other international platforms (If I Was God… has accumulated 22 million views on The New Yorker’s YouTube channel). His latest and fifth NFB film, Good Luck to You All, is a whimsical exploration of artificial intelligence.

About Tonic DNA

Tonic DNA is a multi-award-winning independent Montreal-based animation studio with over four decades of love for the craft of animation. With a track-record for quality work, Tonic DNA is committed to innovation and storytelling that touches the heart, and strives to push creative boundaries with projects that blend art, humour and depth.

About the NFB

Founded in 1939, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is a trailblazing producer, co-producer and distributor of engaging, relevant and innovative animated and documentary films. One of the world’s leading creative centres, the NFB is internationally recognized for its rich and vibrant collection of more than 14,000 works, 7,000 of which are available to stream free of charge. The NFB and its productions and co-productions have earned more than 7,000 awards, including 12 Oscars and an Honorary Academy Award for overall excellence in cinema.

Stay Connected

Online Screening Room: nfb.ca
NFB Facebook: NFB X: NFB Instagram: NFB Blog: NFB YouTube: NFB Vimeo
Curator’s perspective: Director’s notes

About the NFB