26/09/2002 - 2001 Oscar-nominated Elling to get a prequel also starring Per Christian Ellefsen but directed by Eva Isaksen

The Norwegian Film Fund will contribute half of the Kr14.1 million (Euros 1.9 million) budget of the prequel to Petter Naess’s record-breaking 2002 Oscar-nominated feature, Elling. Like its predecessor, this new film will also be written by Axel Hellstenius, co-produced by Maipo Film and Tv Produksjon, although the director, Eva Isaksen, is new. Per Christian Ellefsen also returns as the protagonist, Elling. Elling’s Mother is based on 'Fugledansen' (The Bird Dance), and follows the protagonist’s on a package-tour of Benidorm in Spain. It is scheduled for a December 2003 release.