German filmmaker Dagmar Knöpfel has wrapped principal photography on her latest feature, Verdandi – Land of Maybe (working title), a character-driven drama based on a true story from the Faroe Islands, exploring themes of memory, silence and intergenerational trauma.

The film follows Lý, a young woman who returns to her childhood home on the remote Faroe Islands to celebrate her grandmother Semona’s 80th birthday. What begins as a warm family gathering turns into an emotional journey when Lý uncovers a long-buried secret: a traumatic wartime experience that Semona suffered at a young age and has kept hidden for decades. As the truth gradually comes to light, Lý’s discovery compels her mother, Barbara, and her aunt Poula to confront the weight of inherited silence that has shaped their lives.

The cast is led by Sissal Drews Hjaltalin (Trom) as Lý. Faroese singer and actress Annika Hoydal portrays the older Semona, with Armgar∂ Mortensen playing her younger self. Gunnvá Zachariasen and Beinta K Clothier take on the roles of Barbara and Poula, respectively. The ensemble also includes Sámal Hansen, Magnus Reinert Gásadal and Bui Rouch.

Inspired by a true Faroese family history, the project has been in development for over a decade, with research beginning in 2013. The screenplay was co-written by Knöpfel and Diane Schüssele, marking Schüssele’s first feature-length script. Verdandi – Land of Maybe is Knöpfel’s third narrative feature, following her debut, Requiem for a Romantic Woman, and Through This Night, which premiered 20 years ago.

Filming took place over 35 days in several locations across the Faroe Islands, with a crew comprising both German and local professionals. German cinematographer Holger Jungnickel (Limbo [+leggi anche:
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scheda film]) served as director of photography, with production design by Anika Klatt, set decoration by Larissa Bonitz, costumes by Stephanie Zurstegge and Martha Lange, and sound by Ivo Wellmann. Andrea Kuehnel handled production management.

Verdandi – Land of Maybe is being produced by Sandra Hölzel and Natalie Hölzel for Munich-based Elfenholz Film, in co-production with Hamburg-based Gretchenfilm and Knöpfel herself. The film has received support from FilmFernsehFonds Bayern and the Faroese Film Institute, and is backed by broadcasters ARTE, Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) and Saarländischer Rundfunk (SR). Distribution in Germany will be handled by Barnsteiner-film, which is planning a 2026 theatrical release.