Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Features in First-Look Image for ‘My Fathers’ Daughter,’ Set to Become the First-Ever Sámi-Language World Premiere at Toronto (EXCLUSIVE)

As a follower and a lover of cinema that appreciates unique stories and diverse voices, I am truly excited about the upcoming premiere of “My Fathers’ Daughter” at Toronto Film Festival. The film’s Sámi-language debut, under the direction of Egil Pedersen, is not just another movie; it’s a testament to Pedersen’s life experiences and his journey as a filmmaker.


The upcoming film titled “My Fathers’ Daughter” – set to be the inaugural Sámi-language feature premiering at Toronto – has unveiled a sneak peek image, featuring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau from “Game of Thrones”, who will make a special appearance in this family drama centered around growth and humor.

Under the guidance of director Egil Pedersen, “My Fathers’ Daughter” narrates the tale of Elvira, a self-assured teenager who strongly believes that she was conceived at a Danish fertility clinic. With this conviction, she frequently indulges in daydreams about her father, imagining him as a renowned actor, like Coster-Waldau. Yet, her imaginings are shattered when her actual biological father makes an unforeseen entrance into her life.

Despite “My Fathers’ Daughter” being his first full-length film, Pedersen is a seasoned director with over 18 music videos, 15 shorts, and numerous commissioned works and commercials under his belt. His latest short, a satirical comedy called “Koftepolitiet” or “Indigenous Police”, was well-received within the Sami community.

Under the guidance of Pedersen, the film titled “My Father’s Daughter” is a collaborative production among Norway, Sweden, and Finland, involving Rein Film, Paasan, Oktober, Bautafilm, and Filmpool Nord. The distribution of this movie internationally is being managed by Pluto Film.

The movie additionally gained support from Neo, a Norwegian Film Institute initiative that funds first-time films by skilled directors. According to Pedersen, “Without Neo, the film wouldn’t have been made.” After years of rejections from the Norwegian Film Institute, they were accepted into Neo. Additionally significant was the Publikum audience insight program, which combines artificial intelligence analysis with interviews with potential viewers. This approach aims to broaden the story’s potential. For me, I found the courage to use more political and real-world references in my work.

Through storytelling, “My Fathers’ Daughter” served as Pedersen’s platform to explore and delve into themes that have significantly influenced his life. He had always identified as Sámi, yet in his childhood, he never felt fully accepted among other members of the Sámi community. As a teenager, he encountered racial prejudice due to his physical resemblance to the Sámi people.

After completing his studies at The Norwegian Film School, the director initially felt uncertain about being recognized as a Sámi filmmaker. However, over time, he was warmly welcomed into the Sámi filmmaking community by the International Sámi Film Institute. He recounts his transformation from doubt and hesitation to becoming a Sámi filmmaker during the 2010s.

“On September 8, ‘My Fathers’ Daughter’ is set to premiere in the Discovery category of the Toronto Film Festival this year.”

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2024-08-23 14:46