IMPS, the worldwide licensee for The Smurfs, has partnered with Spacetoon to bring the brand to the MENA region via the Spacetoon TV channel, branded on-ground activities, and new toys. Through this partnership, the two companies will reintroduce the show to a young audience in MENA by broadcasting a localised, Arabic-dubbed version of The Smurfs in 3DCG animation style.
Audiences of almost all ages will be able to enjoy the adventures of Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy, and Clumsy, along with all other inhabitants of The Smurfs Village in the Arabic language.
Kamel Weiss, Strategic Business Development Director of Spacetoon, commented on this partnership saying: “The Smurfs is a multigenerational title that has been resonating with the audience for 40 years now, and we are proud to have it back in MENA as a TV show and also as branded events. We are aiming to pull all family members together to live various entertaining experiences that suit all ages, and present values to kids and parents at the same time”.
It has to be noted that Spacetoon has also planned to expand the presence of The Smurfs in MENA through various on-ground entertaining activities that suit all family members, as it is now the promotional licensee of the brand in the region. The deal also includes bringing new The Smurfs toys to the MENA market, in collaboration with ToyPro, the toy distributor in the region.
On the other hand, Véronique Culliford, President of IMPS, and the daughter of Peyo, the creator of the Smurfs, stated: “This new distribution deal will contribute to introducing a new generation of kids in MENA to the legacy of the Smurfs. I know there are many amazing Smurfs fans there, and it makes me so happy to know that parents and kids will continue to enjoy The Smurfs together, watching their new adventures on Spacetoon TV!”.
Fawaz Abidin, Managing Director of ToyPro, also expressed his excitement about this deal saying: “We are very excited to bring The Smurfs toys to the region to deliver a full family-entertaining experience with our media partner Spacetoon TV. The Smurfs figures reflecting their distinctive personalities, the different playsets, vehicles, and plush toys all will hit the shelves in the MENA market next year”.