Country Focus: Norway

Euforia takes over Scanbox releases

by  Annika Pham

21/09/2009 - New, independent distributor Euforia Film has agreed with Scandinavian major Scanbox to take over theatrical distribution in Norway of all their upcoming titles.

The deal was signed mid-August as the Scandinavian distribution group is gradually downsizing its activities. To handle the 17-20 titles in its new line-up, twice the volume of its usual slate, Euforia has had to double its staff to six full-time employees. New, exciting times are ahead for the company that managed in only two years to become a major player on the Norwegian market.

In 2007, when former Oro Film marketing director Kjetil Omberg founded Euforia, with the backing of Norway’s Storm Group, his idea was to bring edgier films to Norway. In 2008, Euforia released eight titles, including the small Norwegian horror film Manhunt, which became a hit. By executive producing the horror spoof Dead Snow [trailer] – the third most successful local title this year – Omberg once again hit the jackpot.

With the Scanbox titles, Euforia now represents around 5% of the Norwegian market. “We’re the biggest of the small distributors,” stresses Omberg. The first Scanbox title released by Euforia on September 11 was Nicolas Winding Refn’s Bronson [trailer].

Upcoming titles include Refn’s Valhalla Rising [trailer, film focus], Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Micmacs [trailer], Luc Besson’s Arthur and the Vengeance of Maltazard and Norwegian film Pax, by Annete Sjursen.

Alongside Scanbox’s mainstream films, Omberg will continue to acquire foreign titles he feels passionate about, and will increase his involvement in local productions. Four Norwegian films are set to open in 2009-2010, including the major European co-production The King of Devil’s Island by Marius Holst.