Production on a new World War II-set drama film, titled No. 24 [+leggi anche:
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scheda film], is now under way in Norway. Helmed by John Andreas Andersen (The Burning Sea [+leggi anche:
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trailer
scheda film], The Quake [+leggi anche:
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scheda film]), the film tells the story of Gunnar Sønsteby, who was known as “Agent No. 24” and is remembered as the greatest leader of Norway’s resistance movement. After the war, he devoted his life to meetings with young people, and imparting messages about the protection of freedom and democracy.

The picture, penned by Erlend Loe and based on an original script by Espen von Ibenfeldt, tells the story of both chapters in his life, with 24-year-old Sjur Vatne Brean (Rådebank, Three Wishes for Cinderella [+leggi anche:
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intervista: Erik Poppe
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“We look closely at the extreme life that young Gunnar lived during the war, and the journey from auditor's assistant to Norway’s most-wanted man. He had a long list of aliases and slept in different apartments every night, with a hand grenade under his pillow. In his portrayal of this young Gunnar, Sjur gives a performance that has given us goosebumps during shooting,” said Andersen.

“Sønsteby is best known for his spectacular sabotage actions, but his efforts after the war were also invaluable. He spoke to young people across the country about the importance of fighting for peace, freedom and democratic values. In our film, the choices he made during the war are also challenges that young people face today. We found this Gunnar, an open and thoughtful communicator who has lived and learnt from life, in Erik Hivju,” he continued.

Speaking about the portrayal of his country’s most decorated citizen, Hivju commented: “I have always been interested in history and know the great achievements of ‘No. 24’. It is a great honour to be able to portray Gunnar Sønsteby in a chapter of his life that deserves more attention – especially nowadays. More than ever, it’s important that we are reminded of the values ​​that Sønsteby stood for.”

Producer Terje Strømstad added: “It has been special for us to end the shoot here, close to Gunnar's roots. After weeks of hard work with temperatures going down as low as minus 30, we feel that we have succeeded in breathing life into the unique script that Erlend Loe has written, based on the original script by Espen von Ibenfeldt. Now we will go into the editing room with great faith that we are about to create something very special for the Norwegian cinema audience.”

The official press release published by SF Studios reports that principal photography is now in its final stages, with scenes being filmed in Sønsteby's hometown of Rjukan.

No. 24 is being produced by Kristian Strand Sinkerud, Terje Strømstad and Espen Horn for Motion Blur (Norway), with John M Jacobsen for Filmkameratene (Norway). SF Studios is in charge of its distribution. The picture’s domestic release is slated for 30 October 2024.