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NORDISK PANORAMA 2022

REPORT: Nordisk Panorama Forum 2022

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- We take a closer look at seven of the non-fiction projects pitched recently at the Malmö-based gathering

REPORT: Nordisk Panorama Forum 2022
Storm Alerts by Bergur Bernburg

One of the most prominent showcases of European projects in development and in production, this year’s Forum for the Co-Financing of Documentaries at Nordisk Panorama unspooled from 26-27 September. Cineuropa takes a closer look at seven of the projects pitched at the gathering.

Big Oil vs. the Law – Mette Reitzel (Germany/Netherlands)
Produced by inselfilm together with Rinkel Film, the picture follows people across the world whose lives have been blighted by climate change as they challenge the power of Big Oil in the courts. They are facing their fears, finding their voice and risking their freedom for us all. Using the film as a catalyst, the impact campaign will help thousands more find the courage and tools to join them as defenders of the future. The team includes creative director Mette Reitzel, and co-directors Baby Ruth Villarama, Carlos Sánchez Giraldo, Loretta Van Der Horst, Michael Premo and Rachel Falcone. Commenting on the project's participation in the forum, producer Gregor Streiber told Cineuropa: “The presentation of our collaborative feature-length documentary got a great response here in Malmö. We’re having a lot of meetings with potential partners and will hopefully close a co-production deal with one or two Nordic partners in the near future.”

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North South Man Woman – Morten Traavik and Mary Sun Kim (Norway/South Korea/Latvia)
A Storm Films presentation, the project closely follows “the ups and downs of a North Korean refugee and matchmaker and her Southern clients”, while examining “the twin concepts of love and war” and “navigating the intricate and precarious environment of social conventions, mutual prejudice, secrecy, cultural differences and geopolitical tensions”. Backers involved so far include the Norwegian Film Institute, Fritt Ord and LTV. It is set to enter production next month. Other production partners include Norway-based Studio Kozlovski (Liberation Day [+see also:
trailer
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]
), South Korea’s Mirror & Story and Latvia’s VFS Films.

The Tingbjerg Experiment – Louise Detlesfen (Denmark)
In her new project, produced by Hansen & Pedersen, the director of Fat Front [+see also:
trailer
film profile
]
investigates a controversial law that has led to a huge social experiment. In the titular “hard ghetto”, hundreds of houses are built and sold below market price to a hand-picked group of people selected on the basis of personal applications as well as economic, educational and cultural background. Production is set to start in January 2023, and involved financiers include DR and the Danish Film Institute. Commenting on the reception of the project, producer Malene Flindt Pedersen said: “The pitching of the project has convinced us that it has international potential. We got some very good feedback and new perspectives at the meetings with the broadcasters and funds. We are sure that we will come home from the forum with both distribution and financing.”

The Andersson Brothers [+see also:
trailer
film profile
]
– Johanna Bernhardson (Sweden)
Described as “an intimate and brutally honest portrait of celebrated director Roy Andersson and his three brothers, Ronny, Kjell and Leif”, it focuses on their fractured relationship following Ronny’s death owing to drug abuse in 2012. Helmed by Leif’s daughter, it entered production in February. Among the financiers are the Swedish Film Institute, SVT and Film i Väst. After the pitch, producers Erika Malmgren and Annika Hellström (So Damn Easy Going [+see also:
trailer
film profile
]
, Children of the Enemy [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile
]
), of Cinenic Film, commented: “We’re very excited about the positive response we got. The film really resonates with all kinds of decision makers. They think the sibling/family theme is touching and relatable, and appreciate Johanna’s very personal point of view and the tragicomic tone of the film.”

Storm Alerts – Bergur Bernburg (Iceland/Denmark)
Set to enter production next month, this docudrama focuses on Marteinn, a PhD student in Old Norse Literature. In his dream job at the University of Copenhagen, he suddenly finds himself at a crossroads in his academic life. A storm is brewing, and he senses the enormous change that is coming. A doorway to another dimension is flung open and he is faced with a choice: to ignore the call or answer it? Produced by veteran Friðrik Þór Friðriksson for Firnindi, and co-produced by ResearchGruppen ApS and Sagafilm, it has received backing from the Icelandic Film Centre, Siminn, Scanbox Entertainment, DR and the Nordisk Film & TV Fond.

The Dialogue Police – Susanna Edwards (Sweden)
Currently in production, it follows a small group of cops who dedicate their lives to people’s right to gather in public spaces in order to demand change. They work on the frontlines of democracy, and their work exposes them to threats and hatred. The movie questions whether they are an integral vanguard protecting a vibrant democracy or useful idiots preserving the status quo. Edwards is also producing for Susanna Edwards AB, with backing from SVT and the Swedish Film Institute, Gotlands Filmfond and the Swedish Arts Grant Committee.

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