04/08/2026 - The programme aims to strengthen creative ties between France and the Nordic countries, highlighting new co-production opportunities and showcasing four projects

The Norwegian International Film Festival's New Nordic Films is placing France in the spotlight for its 2026 edition, unveiling a comprehensive French Focus programme designed to deepen creative and industrial ties between France and the Nordic countries. Running from 25-28 August in Haugesund, New Nordic Films – in partnership with the Institut français de Norvège, the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the CNC and Unifrance – will welcome a delegation of French producers, sales agents and distributors for a series of seminars, screenings and networking events aimed at fostering future international collaborations.

Gyda Velvin Myklebust, programme director of New Nordic Films, commented: “Our French focus is an important initiative for the festival. France holds a unique place in the history of cinema and continues to be a driving force for artistic innovation – something clearly reflected in our selection of French film projects and our French Touch programme. This year's line-up is both diverse and compelling: the projects span animation, an intimate personal documentary, a drama set along the Tunisian border, and a moving story about the challenges and hopes of fleeing war and building a new life in a new country. By showcasing French films and highlighting French voices, we aim to create meaningful encounters, inspire audiences, and strengthen the ties between the Nordic and French film industries.”

At the heart of the initiative is the seminar “Insights on Co-producing with France and the Nordics”, which will bring together leading French and Nordic producers for an informal discussion on the realities of cross-border filmmaking. Drawing on practical case studies – including Ibelin by Morten Tyldum (see the news), presented by producer Guri Neby (of Einar Film) – the session will explore financing models, creative collaboration and the challenges of working as both majority and minority co-producers. Moderated by Julie-Jeanne Regnault, of the European Producers Club, the seminar is aimed at producers seeking practical knowledge and fresh perspectives on international co-production.

Alongside the industry programme, French cinema will once again feature prominently through French Touch, an initiative that has been an integral part of the Norwegian International Film Festival since 2011. Expanded this year to include eight French features, the section underlines the festival's longstanding commitment to showcasing contemporary French cinema while strengthening cultural exchanges between France and the Nordic region.

The 2026 French Touch selection comprises Emmanuel Marre's A Man of His Time, Mélisa Godet's A Place for Her, Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet's A Woman's Life, Anthony Marciano's The American Dream, Jeanne Herry's Another Day, Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano's coming-of-age drama Just an Illusion, Lauriane Escaffre and Yvo Muller's Women on Trial, and Rudi Rosenberg's Words of Love.

Beyond the screenings, New Nordic Films will welcome a delegation of French sales agents, distributors and experienced producers throughout the event, while a dedicated French Reception will provide additional opportunities for Nordic and French professionals to establish new partnerships and discuss future collaborations.

The following four French projects and their producers have been selected to take part in the Nordic Co-Production Market in Haugesund:

Boutés – Jeanne Géli, Loïs Szymczak (France)
Producer: Marieke Tricoire (Womanray)

Temporary Lives – Wessam Hachicho (France)
Producer: Amélie Quéret (Respiro Productions)

All the Softness in the World – Ayçe Kartal (France)
Producer: Damien Megherbi (Les Valseurs)

Borderline – Yves Piat (France/Spain)
Producer: Damien Megherbi (Les Valseurs)
Co-producer: Sumendi/BTeam