The premier Nordic Film Market of Gothenburg, which previously unveiled “The Girl with the Needle,” “Armand,” and “When the Light Breaks” (last year’s Cannes sensations) as works in progress, has revealed its entire 2025 schedule exclusively to EbMaster.
During January 29th to 31st, over sixty finished movies, works in progress, and films still being edited, will be exhibited to more than 500 professionals from approximately thirty-eight different nations.
Each year, I find myself surrounded by esteemed filmmakers and rising talents, a dynamic that’s evident in the main event: our 15-film Works in Progress selection.
Five years following the selection of “Godland” at Cannes, Icelandic film favorite Hlynur Pálmason returns with “The Love that Remains,” a family drama structured around vignettes, starring Sverrir Guðnason (“Falling”, “Borg Vs McEnroe”) and Saga Garðarsdóttir (“Balls”).
In this version, I’ve aimed to keep the original meaning while making it more accessible for a wider audience.
A frequent attendee at the Directors’ Fortnight of Cannes, Shahrbanoo Sadat (known for “The Orphanage”), is set to introduce her first romantic comedy, titled “No Good Men.” This film takes place within a Kabul newsroom and is set in 2021, before the Taliban took control of Afghanistan.
Lisa Langseth, a filmmaker from Sweden who gained success with her Netflix multi-series project “Love & Anarchy,” is back to feature films with her new production titled “The Dance Club.” This upcoming comedy explores the realm of psychotherapy, featuring an exciting ensemble cast consisting of rising stars like Nils Wetterholm known for his role in “Young Royals” and Alva Bratt from “Barracuda Queens,” as well as the renowned actress Pernilla August.
As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that the talented Norwegian filmmaker Maria Sødahl, who was a strong contender for the Berlin Golden Bear in 2020 with her moving drama “Hope,” is now set to present an intriguing Danish project titled “Ø” (tentative title). This thought-provoking tale follows a Danish family on a holiday in Greece, only to find themselves right in the midst of a significant refugee crisis. This unsettling predicament forces them to confront and test their compassionate humanistic values in ways they never imagined.
Additionally, the film “Home,” directed by former actor Marijana Jankovic, also delves into themes of family values and sense of belonging. It features an impressive cast including Zlatko Buric, known for “Triangle of Sadness”; Claes Bang, who starred in “The Square”; Jesper Christensen, recognized from “Spectre”; Trine Dyrholm, famous for “The Girl with the Needle”; and Dejan Cukic, well-known for “Snabba Cash.
Some additional titles expected are: “No Rest for the Wicked,” a chilling Danish-Faroese horror film featuring Pilou Asbæk from “Game of Thrones”; “Hana Korea,” a drama inspired by true events about a North Korean defector, starring Kim Minha (“Pachinko”) and Kim Joo-ryoung (“Squid Game”); the Sámi musical “Árru” by Elle Sofe Sara; and “My First Love,” a film focusing on disability empowerment produced by Thomas Robsahm, who also worked on “The Worst Person in the World.
Josef Kullengård, who is in charge of industry and the Nordic Film Market, expressed his great satisfaction with the diverse array of talents, tales, and genres being presented at Works in Progress. He emphasized the numerous projects that boast strong international aspects. According to him, the selection mirrors the current trend of both emerging and established artists profiting from the diverse financing options and cultural blends resulting from co-productions,” said Josef Kullengård.
Kullengård also emphasized the robust partnership between the organizers of Gothenburg’s market and festival events, who frequently help propel emerging artists, such as those from Nordic Film Lab Forum, Discovery Co-Pro Platform, and Works in Progress program, all the way up to the main competition.
Here are some examples of last year’s Discovery entries, such as “Solomamma” by Janicke Askevold (one of Les Arcs’ most talked-about titles) and “Weightless” by Emilie Thalud, are included in this year’s works in progress. Additionally, five works in progress for 2024 have been selected for the festival’s main Nordic film competition: the debut features “Kevlar Soul” by Maria Eriksson-Hecht, “Live a Little” by Fanny Ovesen, “Orenda” by renowned Finnish cinematographer/director Pirjo Honkasalo (“The 3 Rooms of Melancholia”), the Cannes Palme d’or contender “The Girl With the Needle” by Magnus von Horn, and “When the Light Breaks,” which opened Un Certain Regard, directed by Rúnar Rúnarsson.
At press time, six out of 15 works in progress had sales agents officially attached.
Record titles in development
Always dedicated to assisting creators, particularly during these tough financial times, Kulllengård and his team are introducing new programs aimed at enhancing ongoing projects.
For the initial time, the 14 Nordic productions displayed on the Discovery Co-Production Platform will contend for a €15,000 ($15,300) cash prize, generously provided by Film Finances Scandinavia.
Distinguished directors Lone Scherfig (“An Education,” “Italian for Beginners”), Mia Tervo (“The Missile”), Suvi West (“Homecoming”), and documentary filmmaker Nagieb Khaja (“My Afghanistan, Life in the Forbidden Zone”) will present their new projects alongside debuting feature director Maria van Hausswolff, who is known for her work as a Swedish cinematographer on films like “Godland” and “Parents.” Her upcoming project is titled “Siri Police.”
The award-winning filmmakers Lone Scherfig, Mia Tervo, Suvi West, Nagieb Khaja, and Maria van Hausswolff (a Swedish cinematographer) will present their new movies. Among them, Maria is making her first feature film called “Siri Police.
Kullengård expressed excitement as they shared that more than 100 entries had been received for this particular section. They highlighted an intriguing trend: a significant number of established producers teaming up with first-time directors, such as Synnøve Hørsdal from Maipo Film partnering with Eiving Landsvik (a 2023 short film nominee), Elisa Pirir from Stær Film working alongside Tess Quatri, Heather Millard of Compass Films collaborating with Helga Rakel Rafsdóttir and Patrik Andersson, and Jakob Abrahamsson from Mylla Films joining forces with Finland’s Elin Grönblom.
The panel for the Film Finances Scandinavia Award comprises Paolo Bertolini, from the New Zealand International Film Festival, Katrin Mersmann of the MOIN Film Fund, and the acclaimed Swedish filmmaker Goran Kapetanović.
A new development is the Nordic Gateway, featuring five international projects seeking Nordic co-investors or co-producers. One of these projects is “Honor of Persia,” directed by Zar Amir Ebrahimi, an Iranian-French multi-awarded actress known for her work in “Holy Spider.” The jury awarding the section’s Tint Post-Production Award worth €35,000 ($35,800) consists of film consultant Claus Ladegaard, Jacobine van der Vloed (head of ACE Producers), and Maria Ekerhovd (producer from Mer Film, Norway).
At the Nordic Film Market, the highlight is the Market Screenings segment, which will feature 15 fresh Nordic films, including “Sauna” and “Orenda,” both of which have been screened at Sundance and Rotterdam respectively. The Göteborg festival’s opener, “Safe House,” and its closer, “Stranger,” are also included in this lineup. Mentioning a special presentation, Kullengård pointed out Jon Asp’s film “Being Bo Wideberg” about the renowned Swedish director of “Elvira Madigan,” produced by B-Reel. This movie will be screened separately.
Six documentaries from the festival’s principal doc competition and Nordic Light, including “Mr Nobody Against Putin” and “About a Hero”, will complete the market screenings. Furthermore, an extra nine projects by graduates of Nordic film schools will be showcased at the Meet the New Nordic Talents segment.
Kullengård was asked to comment on gender balance throughout the program, and he commended the equal representation seen in the Discovery Co-Production Platform, Works in Progress, and Nordic Gateway sections. Here, there are 27 male, 26 female directors, and one director who identifies as non-binary.
Besides the movie lineup, a notable event at the Nordic Film Market’s 26th edition will be the debut on January 29 of the Nostradamus Collective, which Kullengård refers to as an expansion of the industry resource Norstradamus report, typically revealed yearly at the Cannes Film Festival.
The purpose of this fresh endeavor is to establish a cooperative environment where industry experts can exchange ideas and viewpoints, and to bolster the audiovisual sector’s overall adaptability in dealing with change. Approximately 30 European influencers are expected to attend an exclusive industry gathering. Major conclusions from the meeting will be disclosed in Berlin at a later time.
In 2024, networking opportunities for industry professionals will be available at the iconic Clarion Hotel Draken location, while market screenings will take place at the Biolapatset multiplex in Gothenburg.
The secondary major event in Gothenburg, TV Drama Vision (a drama series-focused market showcase), is scheduled for January 28th and 29th.
Full Works in Progress Lineup:
The Unextinguishable Beacon” (Finland), created by Lauri-Matti Parppei, with production by Ilona Tolmunen and Vincent Saunders (Goodtime Pictures). Release dates yet to be announced.
The song “Árru” (Norway), sung by Elle Sofe Sara, was produced by Elisa Fernanda Pirir and Court Ropp (Stær Film). The distribution rights are yet to be announced.
The film ‘A Sweetness from Nowhere’ by Ester Martin Bergsmark, which is produced by Anna-Maria Kantarius of Garagefilm, has its sales details yet to be announced.
Movie titled ‘Biodlaren’, directed by Marcus Carlsson from Sweden, is the creation of producer Lovisa Charlier Ginday under Mariedamfilm. The release date for sales remains undisclosed.
As a devoted admirer, I’d like to highlight my appreciation for the captivating film “Hana Korea,” a collaboration between Frederik Sølberg, Sara Stockmann, and Heejung Oh under the banners of Sonntag and Seesaw respectively. This remarkable production, distributed by Sales REinvent, has left an indelible impression on me.
Home” (Denmark) – a production by Marijana Janković, overseen by Mads-August Grarup Hertz of Nordisk Film. Distributed for sales by TrustNordisk.
My First Love” (Norway), authored by Mari Storstein, and co-produced by Tøri Gjendal and Thomas Robsahm through Nordisk Film Norge. The distribution rights are held by TrustNordisk.
Mari Storstein’s “My First Love”, a Norwegian production overseen by Tøri Gjendal and Thomas Robsahm under the Nordisk Film Norge banner. Rights to distribute this film are managed by TrustNordisk.
No Good Men” (Produced by Katja Adomeit of Adomeit Film; Distribution yet to be announced), a film directed by Shahrbanoo Sadat, hailing from Denmark, France, and Norway.
Title Translation: “No Rest for the Righteous” (Denmark) by Kasper Kalle, Produced by Lars Bredo Rahbek (SF Studios) – Sales Pitch
“Kasper Kalle’s ‘No Rest for the Righteous’, a film produced by Lars Bredo Rahbek at SF Studios, ready for distribution.
The Squirrel” (Finland) by Markus Lehmusruusu, co-produced by Mark Lwoff and Misha Jaari, under the label Bufo. Distribution handled by Reinvent.
“Markus Lehmusruusu’s ‘The Squirrel’, co-created by Mark Lwoff and Misha Jaari, from Bufo Productions. Sales by Reinvent.
The film titled ‘Solomamma’, hailing from Norway, is the work of Janicke Askevold. This production was brought to life by a team consisting of Rebekka Rognøy, Magne Lyngner, Magnus Albertsen, and Gary Cranner, under the banner of Bacon Pictures Oslo. Its distribution details are yet to be announced.
The Dance Club”, directed by Lisa Langseth, is a production of Maria Walter Dahlin and Veronika Öhnedal under Meta Film. This film is being handled for sales by REinvent.
The film titled ‘The Love That Remains,’ directed by Hlynur Pálmason, is yet to announce its sales. It was jointly produced by Anton Máni Svansson and Katrin Pors under the production companies Still Vivid and Snowglobe.
Titled “Weightless” (Denmark), created by Emilie Thalund, under the supervision of Anna Dammegaard Søllested and Clara Jantzen Kreinøe, from Snowglobe. Release date and sales details yet to be announced.
Untitled Project (Denmark/Norway), directed by Maria Sødahl, is being produced by Thomas Robsahm and Sigurd Mikal Karoliussen through Nordisk Film Production. Distribution details are yet to be announced.
Discovery Co-Production Platform
The film titled ‘A Certain Type,’ hailing from Norway, was created by Christoffer Lossius. This production was masterfully handled by the duo, Louise Beyer and Jonas Bruun, under the banner of Storm Films.
Vampire Suckers” (Sweden), created by Elin Grönblom with the production by Patrik Andersson and Jakob Abrahamsson (Mylla Films)
“Blood-Sipping Creatures” (Sweden), directed by Elin Grönblom, under the supervision of Patrik Andersson and Jakob Abrahamsson (Mylla Films)
Gigantic Figure of Gentleness” (Denmark), created by Søren Peter Langkjær Bojsen under the direction of Mads-August Grarup Hertz from Nordisk Film.
Title Working ‘Elion’ (Denmark), directed by Nagieb Khaja, under the production of Morten Kaufmann and Signe Leick Jensen at Toolbox Film.
“Flowers of Farewell” (Finland) by Pavel Andonov, produced by Inka Hietala. Sales TBA.
Girl Monster” (Denmark), directed by Selma Sunniva and produced by Maria Møller Kjeldgaard and Ann-Sofie Grøndal, under the banner of Manna Film.
“Honeytrap” (Sweden) by Lone Scherfig, produced by Rebecka Hamberger (Art & Bob).
“Idrix” (Sweden) by Theresa Traore Dahlberg, produced by Mirjam Gelhorn (Mantaray).
Produced by Lotte Sandbu and Synnøve Hørsdal under the title ‘Low Expectations’ (Norway), Eivind Landsvik is the artist behind this composition.
“Like There is No Tomorrow” (Sweden) by Tess Quatri, produced by Elisa Pirir (Stær Film).
Johan Johanaš’s Journey into the Mountains,” (Finland) written by Suvi West, directed by Julia Elomäki (Tekele).
This title is more straightforward and easier to understand for an international audience. It communicates that the story revolves around Johan Johanaš going on a journey to the mountains, rather than implying he has disappeared or gone missing. The original title might create unnecessary confusion as it implies a negative event (disappearance), while this revised title is more positive and inviting, suggesting an adventure or exploration.
“Siri, Police (Sweden) by Maria von Hausswolff, produced by Sigrid Helleday (New Land).
“Whale” (Iceland) by Helga Rakel Rafnsdóttir, produced by Heather Millard (Compass Films).
“You Crazy Thing” (Finland) by Miia Tervo, produced by Marko Talli (Yellow Film).
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2025-01-13 13:17