New US licensing partnerships for Moomins

King Features Syndicate has announced a robust new licensing programme for the children’s property Moomin as the brand continues to gain momentum in North America. This growth is supported by new consumer product launches, the recent theatrical release of TOVE – a new biopic about Moomins’ creator Tove Jansson – and a Moomin exhibit now open at the National Children’s Museum in Washington, D.C.

On November 5, Just Peachy, a California clothing and accessories brand, released its line of Moomin-inspired apparel, accessories and novelty items including hoodies, sweatshirts, bags and woven throw blankets. Additionally, the fan-favourite Ripple Junction apparel line has been renewed with Moomin-themed tops, loungewear, joggers, swimsuits, mobile phone accessory, pins and more. Moomin characters will appear on assorted apparel, accessories, footwear and skateboard decks from Rowing Blazers in 2022.

The expanded Moomin licensing programme comes on the heels of the biopic TOVE, which was theatrically released in the U.S. earlier this year. The movie follows the artistic struggles and unconventional personal life of Tove Jansson, who found worldwide success from an unexpected side project: the creation of the beloved world of the Moomins.

Now through January 9, 2022, fans in the United States can experience the magic of Moominvalley in person at the National Children’s Museum in D.C. by visiting the “Moomin Animations – Thrills and Cuddles” exhibit. The exhibit is produced by the world’s only Moomin Museum and brought to the U.S. by the Embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C. Combining texts and colourful illustrations, the exhibit retells the story of how the Finnish author Tove Jansson’s beloved Moomin books and comics have been brought to life using animation. Families can enjoy Moomin animation from different eras and parts of the world, from the very first Moomin film to premiere on TV to the most recent, award-winning 3D animation series, Moominvalley. The exhibition is co-produced by the Moomin Museum, the Embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C., National Children’s Museum, Gutsy Animations Ltd. and Moomin Characters Ltd., and is supported by Finarte and Lovi Ltd.

As part of the annual Kids Euro Festival in D.C., organised by the EU Delegation to the United States, the Embassy of Finland and National Children’s Museum distributed 400 free tickets to the exhibition this autumn. In addition, the festival offers a variety of free online programming for everyone to enjoy at home. Upcoming events include The Music of Moominvalley (Saturday, November 20, 10:30 am ET), in which composers Samuli Kosminen and Jarmo Saari share how they made the music for the hit TV series Moominvalley (Gutsy Animations, 2019), and Christmas in Moominvalley (Saturday, December 11, 10:30 am ET). Log on to hear a Moomin story written by Tove Jansson and learn about the holiday traditions of Finland.

“Moomin and its charming characters are known around the world for friendship, love and adventure and have become a true cultural phenomenon,” says King Features Vice President and General Manager, Global Head of Licensing, Carla Silva. “We are thrilled to be sharing the Moomin values with consumers in North America through local products and experiences that the whole family can enjoy.”

First debuted more than 75 years ago, Moomin has an extensive fan base across European territories and is now gaining popularity in North America. The 3D CGI series Moominvalley currently airing in multiple territories around the world.