Apple’s original content is continuing to grow with the addition of two feature-length films. The first is a feature documentary, titled The Elephant Queen of Athena, while the second is an animated film called Wolfwakers, according to Cult of Mac.
The Elephant Queen of Athena opened up to buyers earlier this year at the European Film Market in Berlin, Germany and Apple ultimately acquired the rights to the film. The documentary followed the story of an elephant matriarch who leads her family on journey across Africa to search for food and water.
The work of two-time Oscar-nominated Tomm Moore led to the animated film, Wolfwakers. Deadline described the animation film as: “In a time of superstition and magic, when wolves are seen as demonic and nature an evil to be tamed, a young apprentice hunter, Robyn, comes to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last pack. But when Robyn saves a wild native girl, Mebh, their friendship leads her to discover the world of the Wolfwalkers and transform her into the very thing her father is tasked to destroy.”
Apple plans to continue its content ambitions, but currently holds more than 20 original series in various stages of development. The company aggressively pursued high profile TV series to attempt to acquire more content of its own but has been less aggressive when acquiring feature films. So, this deal comes more notable than most.
Apple executives can be seen currently in Canada for the Toronto International Film Festival, which will run through September 16. Knowing that the company is reaching out for more films, we can expect to hear more news about Apple acquisitions within the following days to come.
Although Apple failed to mention how they will reveal its plan to distribute the content, popular theories range from giving it away to users for free or launching their own Netflix-style streaming subscription service. A new streaming subscription service seems the most promising, but we must anticipate further news at tomorrow’s Apple Keynote event.