07/10/2024 - On this occasion, the Oslo-based agency has opted to back new projects by Joachim Trier, Hlynur Pálmason and Oskari Sipola, among others

Director Joachim Trier, who is receiving €385,000 for Sentimental Value (© Kasper Tuxen)

The Nordisk Film & TV Fond has earmarked a total of NOK 22,400,000 (approximately €1,920,000) for its Q3 2024 round of funding. The grants were distributed across ten productions, including seven fiction features, two drama series and one documentary feature, along with NOK 2,480,000 (€213,000) for six distribution and dubbing projects, and five industry initiatives.

The largest beneficiary of this slate of funding was Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, produced by Mer Film, which received NOK 4,500,000 (€385,000). The film will be the helmer’s sixth feature, offering an intimate and often humorous exploration of family, memories and the redemptive power of art.

Another significant grant went to Handbook for Superheroes - Red Mask, a Swedish children’s adventure film produced by Stiller Studios AB, which was awarded NOK 2,500,000 (€214,000). Directed by Patrik Forsberg and written by Anoo Bhagavan, the story revolves around ten-year-old Lisa, who discovers a handbook that teaches her superpowers. The film explores themes of bullying, bravery and teamwork as Lisa, who becomes the superhero Red Mask, is forced to collaborate with her former bullies to stop a kingpin from acquiring an ancient treasure.

Icelandic cinema saw further support in this quarter with The Love That Remains, directed and written by Hlynur Pálmason, and produced by STILL VIVID, receiving NOK 1,600,000 (€137,000). Set in rural Iceland, the film chronicles a year in the life of a family dealing with the parents’ separation. As the seasons change, the pic intertwines the emotional struggles of the parents, Anna and Magnús, with the children’s adventures, all framed within the stunning natural landscapes of Iceland.

Finnish cinema was also supported with the funding of The More Loving One, which was granted NOK 1,000,000 (€85,000). Produced by Aurora Pictures Oy and directed by Oskari Sipola, the film follows Antti Salokoski, a musician whose decision to invite Suvi Vaahtera to sing in his band sets off a chain of events that alters the course of both their lives. The film is based on Juha Itkonen’s novel of the same name.

Also from Finland, Amanda of the Night received NOK 1,100,000 (€94,000). Directed by Alli Haapasalo and produced by Helsinki-filmi Oy, the film tells the story of Amanda, a woman determined to escape the grim fate expected of her in a male-dominated society. In defiance of societal norms, she sets out on an empowering adventure that highlights hope, friendship and love across class barriers.

The Icelandic production The Fires, staged by Netop Films and directed by Ugla Hauksdóttir, was granted NOK 2,500,000 (€214,000). The plot follows Anna Arnardóttir, Iceland’s top volcanologist, as she faces dual challenges: a volcanic eruption threatening Reykjavík and a personal love affair that could destroy her marriage.

Zooming in on drama series, the Swedish production The Cruise, produced by Northern Fable, was awarded NOK 3,200,000 (€274,000). Directed by Jonas Alexander Arnby, and written by Malin Lagerlöf and Mats Strandberg, this thriller takes place on a Baltic cruise ship, where what begins as a holiday for families, friends and lovers quickly turns into a nightmare.

The only documentary feature in receipt of the agency’s bursary was The Nun – 25 Years in Convent, a Maud Nycander Film presentation directed by Maud Nycander, which was awarded NOK 500,000 (€43,000). The film follows Marta, a woman who has spent 25 years in one of the strictest Catholic monastic orders, the Carmelite Order. Through her story and the experiences of her nine siblings, the film delves into the deep religious faith of her family and the diverging paths the siblings have taken.

In addition to production support, the fund distributed NOK 2,480,000 (€213,000) across six distribution and dubbing projects. Notable recipients include The Last Journey [+see also:
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trailer
film profile], receiving NOK 160,000 (€14,000) for its Danish distribution, and Quisling - The Final Days [+see also:
trailer
film profile], with NOK 150,000 (€13,000) for distribution by SF Studios. Other beneficiaries include The Girl with the Needle [+see also:
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interview: Besir Zeciri
interview: Directors Talks @ European …
interview: Magnus von Horn
film profile] and Laban the Little Ghost, which also secured NOK 195,000 (€17,000) for dubbing in Danish, Finnish and Norwegian.

Finally, industry initiatives were supported to the tune of NOK 1,085,000 (€93,000), including this year’s Copenhagen Masterclasses (NOK 60,000/€5,000), THIS - Future of Media & Content (NOK 225,000/€19,000), the Oslo Series Days (NOK 50,000/€4,000), Nordisk Panorama Industry (NOK 550,000/€47,000) and the Finnish Film Affair (NOK 200,000/€17,000).