TrustNordisk in publicity heaven with Antichrist

21/05/2009

The stir and uproar caused by Lars von Trier’s Antichrist [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Lars von Trier
film profile] in Cannes was described by sales agent TrustNordisk as “fantastic free publicity” that will help the film’s release in Denmark today.

The Scandinavian Terrace looked pleasantly relaxed and quiet yesterday after the stormy days that followed Antichrist’s official as market screenings in Cannes. On Tuesday, the morning market screening was cancelled due to technical problems and the afternoon show was also disrupted by the blackout from the French EDF workers on strike. “It was like a sign from God against Antichrist,” teased TrustNordisk CEO Rikke Ennis.

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Asked about the reactions from foreign distributors who had pre-bought Antichrist, Ennis said that they were split 50/50. No new deal was reported and bigger territories such as the UK and Japan were still available.

“To be in Cannes, a film has to be original. Lars enjoys creating controversy and he has lived up to his reputation,” added Ennis. “The scandal around the film’s presentation in Cannes has created great free publicity that will benefit the film’s opening in Denmark [yesterday, May 20] through Nordisk Film”.

Among the other TrustNordisk titles that premiered at the market, Tarek Saleh’s animation film Metropia was well-received and created strong interest from Germany, France and smaller Eastern European territories. The US remake of Danish hit Love at First Hiccup sold to Korea (Kinomate), Singapore and Indonesia (Suraya Film); the Finnish animation film Quest for a Heart Romania (Empire Film); and horror title Cold Prey 2 [+see also:
trailer
film profile] to Japan (IPA).