Cordell Barker's The Anta Claus launches Dec 1
Tonic DNA and the National Film Board of Canada unveil poster and teaser for a new Canadian holiday classic from the creator of The Cat Came Back and Strange Invaders
November 12, 2026
Media Release, Media Relations, National Film Board of Canada
Key points from this story:
- The Anta Claus launches December 1
- Available on NFB and Crave
- Directed by Cordell Barker
- Produced by Tonic DNA and NFB
- English voice: Tyrone Benskin
- Runtime: 24 minutes
November 12, 2026 - Montreal - National Film Board of Canada (NFB). Launching December 1 on NFB and Crave, exclusively for Canadian audiences, Cordell Barker's The Anta Claus of the South Pole follows an unlikely hero who sets off on a penguin-powered quest for the perfect holiday from the South Pole to Santa's Village. This highly anticipated Canadian holiday special from the two-time Oscar-nominated animator offers audiences an early look at the film's unique world and characters.
The title character is voiced in English by acclaimed Canadian actor Tyrone Benskin, who has more than 70 film and television credits and has contributed significantly to the Canadian and international cultural landscape for more than 25 years. In French, he is voiced 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 Leon, known for his work on My Salinger Year, The Good Lie and the Oscar-nominated Monsieur Lazhar.
With The Anta Claus, Montreal-based animation studio Tonic DNA and the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) have joined forces for the first time to produce a film by Winnipeg's Cordell Barker. While Cordell has worked closely with both organizations throughout his career, this marks the first time they have collaborated on one of his films, bringing together two leading animation studios recognized for their creative excellence and technical expertise.
"After two and a half decades in the animation biz, my desire to create a holiday film was rekindled. Just like my 'Charlie Brown' inspiration, I wanted to make a film for holiday misfits, and anyone who doesn't quite fit the picture-perfect holidays. A story for those who see the holidays a little differently, with equal parts irreverence and charm." - Cordell Barker
About the film
The Anta Claus of the South Pole by Cordell Barker (24 min). Executive producers: Howard Huxham (Tonic DNA), Christine Noel (NFB). Producers: Christine Noel (NFB), Jocelyne Perrier (NFB), Fanny Desseaux (Tonic DNA). Produced in association with Crave, a division of Bell Media Inc., with the participation of the Canada Media Fund. Press kit: mediaspace.nfb.ca/epk/the-anta-claus-of-the-south-pole
Produced as a 24-minute TV special, The Anta Claus is designed for families and anyone who enjoys a fresh and imaginative take on the classic tale of Santa Claus. Envious of his famous northern counterpart, the Anta Claus of the South Pole sets off on an epic penguin-powered journey. Along the way, he meets a cast of lovable oddballs who may have a thing or two to teach him. The Anta Claus is being distributed by the NFB and has already been acquired in Canada by Bell Media for Crave. It is currently attracting interest from international distributors, sales agents and broadcasters.
Cordell Barker is a two-time Oscar-nominated animator known for his long association with the NFB, where his films have earned over 50 international awards. He is best known for creating acclaimed animated shorts such as The Cat Came Back and Strange Invaders, which blend humour and heart and often feature ordinary characters in surreal situations. His films have become audience favourites, often garnering millions of views on the NFB website, YouTube channel and other international platforms. In addition to his work with the NFB, Cordell has worked with Tonic DNA for more than 40 years, contributing to numerous national and international advertising and marketing campaigns.
Tonic DNA is a world-class animation studio based in Montreal, Canada, specializing in high-end 2D animation, television series, feature films, commercials and original content development. Founded in 1983, the studio has built an international reputation for artistic excellence, premium craftsmanship and creative versatility across a wide range of animation techniques and styles. Tonic DNA has collaborated with leading global partners, including Disney, Warner Bros., Netflix and Apple TV+. The studio's recent credits include Space Jam: A New Legacy, Disenchanted, Green Eggs and Ham, Central Park and The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie.
Founded in 1939, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is a one-of-a-kind producer, co-producer and distributor of engaging, relevant and innovative documentary and animated films. As a talent incubator, it is one of the world's leading creative centres. The NFB has enabled Canadians to tell and hear each other's stories for over eight decades, and its films are a reliable and accessible educational resource. The NFB is also recognized around the world for its expertise in preservation and conservation, and for its rich and vibrant collection of works, which form a pillar of Canada's cultural heritage. To date, the NFB has produced more than 14,000 works, 7,000 of which can be streamed free of charge at nfb.ca.
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