EST N8 Takes Worldwide Sales Rights to Korean Animated Feature 'Pilgrims'

EST N8 has acquired worldwide sales rights to the Korean sci-fi animated feature 'Pilgrims', according to Variety. The deal marks the first animated title for the sales company.

EST N8 will launch international sales on the film at the Busan International Film Festival's Asian Contents & Film Market. Sophie Changhui Shi of EST N8 negotiated the deal with Hugh Cha of Desert Bloom Pictures, representing producer 21 Studios.

'Pilgrims' is led by voice cast Kim Hyang-gi, Park Ji-hu and Lee Joo-young. Hwang Soyoon of the band Se So Neon wrote the music. Heo Pyoungkang makes a feature directing debut with the film.

The film is adapted from Kim Choyeop's bestselling short story collection 'If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light'. We Hyun-song heads character design, with credits including 'Inside Out 2' and concept art on 'KPop Demon Hunters'.

Festival run and earlier credits

'Pilgrims' won the Technical Award at the 2025 Bucheon International Animation Festival. It played in the Animated Thrills & Chills strand at this year's Annecy Animation Festival before Special Movie City released it in Korean cinemas. Kim Choyeop's collection has sold 400,000 copies.

Heo Pyoungkang worked nearly 20 years in the Japanese animation industry, including as series director on the Netflix series 'Japan Sinks: 2020' and as unit director on Yuasa Masaaki's 'The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl'. Hwang Soyoon's solo output includes 'Smoke Sprite', a collaboration with BTS member RM.