Brace Your Heart

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The prominent Scandinavian sales representative, TrustNordisk, has secured the global distribution rights for Amanda Kernell’s film “Brace your Heart” (originally titled “Förbannelsen”) before the European Film Market in Berlin.

This week, a Swedish drama will commence filming in the Kiruna region, Northern Sweden. This is director Amanda Kernell’s third project following her Swedish Oscar submission “Charter” and her highly praised debut “Sami Blood,” which earned her a Best Directing Debut award at Venice Days 2016. As a result, she has become one of Scandinavia’s most promising female filmmakers.

According to Kernell’s personal script, the narrative unfolds in an isolated Sámi mountain village.

The setting, as per Kernell’s unique script, is a secluded Sámi village nestled among the mountains.

20-year-old Ejva assumes control of her father’s reindeer herd following his passing, continuing a longstanding family tradition while striving to maintain its prosperity. Simultaneously, local leader Heaika harbors romantic feelings for her, and despite initial reservations, finds herself drawn into a relationship, as hinted by the plot summary.

The arrival of Nejla, Heaika’s cousin, sparks a transformation as Ejva experiences love for the first time. Envious and betrayed, Heaika responds harshly, causing Ejva to develop an uncontrollable condition affecting her hands, jeopardizing her care of the herd. Ejva is compelled to regain control over her life and destiny.

The leading roles are filled by fresh faces: Elli-Sara Valkeapää portraying Ejva, Andte Jusso Gaup as Heaika, and Vincent Niia as Nejla. The director, of South Sámi descent on her father’s side, has been diligently searching for these talents; she began the casting process four years ago.

For a long time, I’ve harbored the desire to craft a love story within the dangerous realm of reindeer herding, a world that I am intimately familiar with. My vision is for it to reflect the gritty authenticity of real life and captivate audiences worldwide. To bring this dream to fruition by having an entire cast comprised of reindeer herders is truly inspiring,” Kernell shared.

Speaking directly about the heart of the production, she mentioned that similar to her previous two works, “Brace Your Heart” delves into the topic of forgiveness, presenting it uniquely. It questions what can be pardoned, what can be mended, and how? What can bring us liberation? Much like “Sami Blood” and “Charter,” this film serves as a harmonious blend of various individuals’ recollections. The stories revolve around those who lost their fathers while herding reindeer, those who experienced love, and those confronted with the tough decision between fighting or granting forgiveness. I am incredibly thankful to be working on this project alongside an exceptional cast and crew, both in front of and behind the camera, she added.

Susan Wendt, managing director at TrustNordisk, stated: “Amanda Kernell is an exceptionally gifted filmmaker who profoundly relates to the characters she directs. In ‘Brace Your Heart,’ she immerses us in the captivating Sámi world, where a young woman grapples with finding her identity amidst a reindeer community primarily ruled by men. She must navigate between following her heart and adhering to societal pressures. From the moment I read the script, I was instantly hooked on this powerful narrative, which will be shot in breathtaking landscapes. From that point forward, there was no question in my mind that we needed to be involved with this project.

Notable department heads featured in this production are cinematographer Sophia Olsson, known for “The Crown”, “Charter”, and “Sámi Blood”; production designer Sabine Hviid who has worked on “Another Round” and “Charter”; editor Linda Man, famous for “Sauna” and “Borgen”; and composer Rebekka Karijord, recognized in films such as “All the Old Knives” and “Songs of Earth”.

The movie is created by Eva Åkergren through Nordisk Film Production Sweden, in a joint effort with Forest People from Norway, Compass Films from Iceland, Invictus from Bulgaria, Nordisk Film Production Denmark, Filmpool Nord, SVT, and Film i Väst. It also has backing from The Swedish Film Institute, The Danish Film Institute, The International Sámi Film Institute, Nordisk Film & TV Fond, the Bulgarian National Film Centre, the Icelandic Film Centre, Eurimages, and Arktisk Film Norge. Nordisk Film Distribution will oversee its domestic distribution.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that TrustNordisk’s impressive Berlin lineup features some fantastic films. Among them is the Berlinale Special Gala pick, “Late Shift,” directed by Petra Volpe. Frelle Petersen’s “Home Sweet Home” graces the Panorama section. Additionally, six market screenings are on offer: the opening film and winner of Göteborg, “Safe House,” generating buzz at Sundance with “Sauna,” selected for Rotterdam is “Acts of Love,” and we have a delightful bunch of animated features including “Super Charlie,” “The Polar Bear Prince,” and “Caterella.

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2025-02-11 13:18