06/08/2025 - The Baltic Focus programme aims to strengthen creative ties between the Nordic and Baltic countries, highlighting new co-production opportunities and showcasing six promising projects

An image from the set of The Swedish Torpedo by Frida Kempff, a film that involved both Nordic and Baltic companies (© Anastassia Volkova)

In 2025, the Norwegian International Film Festival’s New Nordic Films is turning its spotlight eastwards, presenting a Baltic Focus programme that aims to bolster ties between the Nordic countries and the Baltic region. Running from 19-22 August in Haugesund, New Nordic Films – in partnership with the Estonian Film Institute, the National Film Centre of Latvia and the Lithuanian Film Centre – will welcome a delegation from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania for a series of panels, case studies and networking events.

Gyda Velvin Myklebust, head of New Nordic Films, commented: “We are so excited about our Focus on the Baltic countries. Our aim is to unite the Baltic and Nordic film industries and contribute to the mutual discovery of the amazing talents in both areas. We believe our focus will lead to increased awareness, co-productions and collaboration in the years to come.”

The initiative will include a dedicated round-table, offering an in-depth discussion on co-production opportunities, funding structures, and creative partnerships between the Nordic and Baltic countries. The session will spotlight the strengths of the three Baltic nations through practical insights and case studies. It aims to help producers, financiers and creatives better understand how to navigate funding systems and build sustainable international collaborations.

Regarding the Baltic Focus, Edith Sepp, head of the Estonian Film Institute, stated: “It is not just an ordinary programme; it is a milestone. It’s an affirmation that the creative exchange and artistic alliance between the Baltics and the Nordics is evolving into something deeper, more strategic and enduring. Estonia enters this dialogue with a distinctive voice: agile producers, bold storytellers, and a unique cinematic language rooted in introspection and quiet strength.”

Jana Mikulevič, head of Promotion at the Lithuanian Film Centre, remarked: “The Baltic Focus is a welcome and exciting initiative, reflecting the natural closeness between our regions – culturally and geographically. For Lithuania, it’s a chance to deepen long-standing relationships with trusted Nordic partners while highlighting the unique advantages we bring to international collaborations, such as flexible funding tools and a growing talent base. The increasing success of joint projects like The Visitor [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Vytautas Katkus
interview: Vytautas Katkus
film profile] by Vytautas Katkus demonstrates how this regional kinship fosters bold, distinctive cinema.”

Dita Rietuma, director of the National Film Centre of Latvia, noted: “We’re especially grateful to highlight this Baltic focus, as co-productions between Latvia and the Nordic countries have been relatively few and far between. Still, strong collaborations have emerged – notably My Favorite War [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Ilze Burkovska Jacobsen
film profile] by Ilze Burkovska-Jakobsen, winner of the Contrechamp Award at Annecy in 2020, and Solomamma [+see also:
trailer
film profile] by Janicke Askevold, set to compete at this year’s Locarno Film Festival. These kinds of collaborations require trust, commitment and time, and while still rare, they are deeply valued. Encouragingly, opportunities for new connections are growing.”

Highlighting the region’s creative vitality, the following six projects and their producers have been selected to take part in the 2025 Nordic Co-Production Market in Haugesund:

Flood – Jorūnė Greičiūtė (Lithuania)
Producers: Rūta Petronytė, Justinas Pocius (Smart Casual)

Silverwhite – Martti Helde (Estonia)
Producer: Elina Litvinova (Three Brothers)

Legato – Ilze Burkovska-Jacobsen (Latvia)
Producer: Matīss Kaža (Trickster Pictures)

The Sorcerer’s Eye – Aik Karapetian (Latvia)
Producers: Inese Boka-Grūbe, Gints Grūbe (Mistrus Media)

I'm Going to Change the World – Inesa Kurklietytė
Producer: Živilė Gallego (Fralita Films)

Beatrice – Vallo Toomla (Estonia)
Producer: Evelin Penttilä (Stellar Film)