02/06/2008

In its last round of production support, the Norwegian Film Institute (NFI) has gone for totally opposite genres: horror film Snarveien (“Shortcut”), produced by Bjørn Ervind Aarskog, and three children’s films. All were awarded a total of NOK28m (€3.5m)

After several horror shorts (including The Chamber), in September Severin Eskeland will start shooting a feature in his favourite genre. The NOK9.4m (€1.1m) Snarveien is produced by 2002 Norwegian Producer on the Move Aarskog for his company Exposed Film Production. SF Norge will handle domestic distribution on September 4, 2009.

The three children’s films awarded NFI support are all based on popular children’s characters in Norway.

Pelle politibil går i vannet is the new adventures of police car Pelle, which thrilled Norwegian kids and international children’s festivals in 2002. While that version was live action, this new film to be directed by Rasmus A. Sibertsen will be made in 3D animation. The experienced Aage Aaberge will produce the NOK 15.7m (€1.9m) project for Neofilm. Shooting will start on June 16. Nordisk Film will handle domestic distribution on December 26, 2009.

Julenatt i Blåfjell will be the second feature film by Peder Norlund (Wolf Summer) based on a popular Norwegian TV series. The NOK21m (€2.6m) project will be produced by Jørgen Storm Rosenberg for his company Storm Rosenberg AS. Filming will start in February 2009 and Sandrew Metronome will handle domestic release.

Knerten, based on Anne-Cath Vestlys’ literary classic, is the directorial debut of stand-up comedian Åsleik Engmark. Finn Gjerdrum and Stein B. Kvae from Paradox AS (Hawaii, Oslo [+see also:
trailer
film profile]) will produce the NOK17.6m (€2.2m) film. Principal photography will start in September and Scanbox will release the film on November 7, 2009.