Cineflix Rights Boards Nordic Blue Crime ‘Hildur,’ Toplining Ebba Katrín Finnsdóttir, Lauri Tilkanen, Rick Okon (EXCLUSIVE)

by

Cineflix Rights, located in London, has acquired international distribution rights to the high-quality crime series titled “Hildur.” Filming for this series began recently in Iceland, with production partners Take Two Studios, Sagafilm, Ruutu (a streamer owned by Nelonen Media in Finland), Simínn (an Icelandic media company), and private investor IPR.VC.

London’s Cineflix Rights has bought the rights to show “Hildur,” a premium crime series they’re filming now in Iceland, with different production companies from Finland, Iceland, and private investors.

I’ve been captivated by a mesmerizing six-part series that has truly made a global impact, largely due to its roots in Satu Rämö’s acclaimed literary work “Hildur.” This phenomenal piece of literature has sold close to a million copies worldwide, solidifying the “Nordic Blue” genre on the international stage.

James Durie, from Cineflix Rights, describes ‘Hildur’ as an exemplary representation of the growing ‘Nordic Blue’ genre – a blend of a gripping thriller with intricate mysteries, and heartwarming elements such as love, friendship, humor, and mysticism. He is excited to share this captivating tale, set against the stunning landscapes of one of the world’s most picturesque locations, with fans worldwide,” says the statement.

Written by veteran scriptwriter Matti Laine (“The Paradise,” “Bordertown”) along with Margret Örnolfsdottir (“Trapped,” “Prisoners”), this show takes place in the breathtakingly beautiful and secluded Westfjords region of Iceland, specifically the town of Ísafjörður.

OR

The television series is penned by seasoned writer Matti Laine (“The Paradise,” “Bordertown”) together with Margret Örnolfsdottir (“Trapped,” “Prisoners”). The story unfolds in the scenic and isolated Westfjords region of Iceland, within the small town of Ísafjörður.

Ebba Katrín Finnsdóttir, known as “Vigdís” and “The School of Housewives,” portrays the lead character Hildur, a female detective from the Ísafjörður police department. Haunted by the 25-year-old disappearance of her two sisters, she seeks solace in surfing as an attempt to move past the trauma.

In the midst of investigating a perplexing string of crimes, she finds herself unearthing age-old enigmas, with the assistance of her unconventional partners – Jakob, a Finnish rookie officer who harbors an unusual hobby for knitting, and Florian, a German recruit who was inadvertently assigned to the squad.

Completing our distinguished ensemble are Nína Dögg Filipusardóttir (“Vigdís,” “Blackport”), Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir (“Black Sands,” “Women at War”), Oddur Julíusson (“The Minister,” “Descendants”) and Oona Airola (“Helsinki Syndrome,” “The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki”). In simpler terms, they join our stellar cast.

Helmer Tinna Hrafnsdóttir, who was recently recognized for her work on “Descendants,” a nominee for Best Nordic Series Script, and “Vigdís” at this year’s Berlinale Series Market Selects, expressed her pride about the cast: “I couldn’t be more proud of our talented actors.

Working alongside my exceptional makeup and costume designers, Ásta Hafþórsdóttir and Eva Lind Rútsdóttir, I’ve been eager to see our shared vision for a vibrant and energetic cast of characters come to fruition. Having had the pleasure of collaborating with many members of the Icelandic cast previously, I’m confident in their abilities to breathe life into these roles.

I’m thrilled to have Ebba Katrín taking the lead role as Hildur, knowing her talent for delivering exceptional performances. I’m equally eager to collaborate with our international cast members from Finland and Germany.

Hrafnsdóttir, captivated by the project’s distinctive literary content and the grandeur of its international co-production, expressed her creative intention as wanting “the dramatic scenery, tempestuous seas, and lofty mountains to function as a potent stage for the unfolding mystery, while simultaneously reflecting the internal turmoils of the characters.

In terms of production, Take Two Studios’ Chief Operating Officer, Sara Norberg, emphasized the close partnership with Sagafilm from Iceland, which was instrumental in both the creative planning and financial aspects, playing a crucial role in realizing our project’s goals.

Additionally, she emphasized the crucial role played by IPR.VC, a significant private investor, in providing support. This support came in two forms: first, through the slate development financing agreement with Take Two Studio; second, by funding the production of this European TV series, which aims to appeal to a global audience, via a newly established fund.

The crime series is being executive produced by Take Two Studios’ Norberg and Eero Hietala, along with Kjartan Thor Thordarson and Tjörvi Thorsson from Sagafilm, as well as Timo Argillander, James Baker, and Andrea Scarso from IPR.VC. According to Norberg, principal photography is scheduled to conclude by the end of May, with a planned premiere in early 2026.

Hildur, following the success of “The Minister,” is the second production by Sagafilm that Cineflix Rights is handling. This independent TV content distributor plans to present this project to prospective buyers during the forthcoming London TV Screenings.

Read More

2025-02-19 11:17