Lotte through the years: 2000 cartoon series “Lotte Travels South” 2006 feature-length animation “Lotte from Gadgetville“ 2011 second feature-length animation “Lotte and the Moonstone Secret”
Planning began in 2008 The author of the idea of Lotte Village and its main organiser is Rein Malsub, who approached Põldma and Ernits with the idea years ago. They started to look for a suitable location for the theme park in 2008. There were many setbacks due to flawed construction procurements, and a suitable building company was only found with the third procurement. The total cost of the theme park was nearly seven million euros, and the development was supported with 4.5 million euros by Enterprise Estonia under their tourism development programme. It should also be noted that, although the main season of the theme park is summer and it will be fully open next June, Lotte Village will be open to visitors all year round. “We are still putting together the specific programme of Lotte Village outside the
two Lotte musicals “Detective Lotte” and “Cosmonaut Lotte” have been staged at the Vanemuine Theatre in Tartu. main season, but there will definitely be birthdays, company events and special programmes organised here,” says Malsub. What about those children who have not seen the Lotte films or read the books? Would they enjoy a visit to Lotte Village? Both Malsub and Põldma confirm that all children will feel welcome at Lotte Village. “Lotte and her friends will introduce Lotte Village to children, talk to them and play with them. We believe that children need a place like this where they are kept busy and where there is no room for violence,” says Janno Põldma. Rein Malsub adds that the theme park is a place of positivity and it really cheers up everyone who comes here. “Lotte Village is about spreading goodness and this is something that everyone - Estonians and foreigners alike - needs these days: a real charge of positivity!”
Books have been written based on all of the films. The books have been translated into Latvian and Finnish. The films have been translated into English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Norwegian, Latvian, Finnish, Russian and Polish. The films have been sold to 50 different countries and territories. The films can be bought on DVD, and they are shown in cinemas and on television channels that have purchased the rights. COMiNg SHOrtLY: 2015 the third Lotte musical will premiere at the Vanemuine Theatre 2018 a new Lotte film will be produced. The screenplay has already been completed by Põldma.
FALL/WINTER 2014-2015
I LIFE IN ESTONIA
77