07/05/2013 - After the first revival package of six features, Danish producer Henrik Møller-Sørensen (ASA Film) starts another three with new cast and crew

1,400 Danish children met for auditions at the Danish Film Studio at suburbian Copenhagen, when producer Henrik Møller-Sørensen (photo), of ASA Film, was casting his three new Father of Four family features – “even more than when started the revival in 2005”, he said.

After six instalments in the first package 2005-2012, selling almost three million tickets domestically, Møller-Sørensen has agreed with his TV partner - Danish pubcaster DR – to launch another three, starting with Father of Four – The Return of Uncle Sofus, which will shoot from later this month.

Most of the cast and crew has been changed: Claus Bjerre, who directed the six previous films, has been replaced by Giacomo Campeotto, new writer is Jens Korse (with Campeotto), and new lead actors Jesper Asholt (the Father), Kurt Ravn (Uncle Anders, Uncle Sofus), Bodil Jørgensen (Mrs Sejersen).

After the auditions the rejuvenated Lille Per will be Sigurd Philip Dalgas, performing with Karoline Hamm (Mie), Emilie Werner Semmelroth (Søs) and Rasmus Johnbeck (Ole) in the story of Uncle Sofus, who returns from Australia and needs family help to win the prestigious milking competition at the agricultural show.

Based on Danish cartoonist Kaj Engholm’s Father of Four series, which ran in Danish papers until 1988, the first eight-picture franchise between 1953-1961 were directed by Danish director Alice O’Fredericks. Danish actor Ib Mossin made an unsuccessful attempt to reunite the family in 1971.

Produced by Møller-Sørensen and Marcella L Dichmann for ASA Film in collaboration with Scandinavian distributor Scanbox Entertainment, Father of Four – The Return of Uncle Sofus will reach Danish cinemas through Scanbox early next year.