Nordic features nearly one-third of Generation sidebar

by Annika Pham

13/01/2011 - Of the 26 features vying for the Crystal Bear in the Generation sidebar of the upcoming Berlinale (February 10-20), seven are Scandinavian – proof of the continued vitality and quality of children's and youth films in the region, in keeping with a long tradition.

Norway has three films in Generation Kplus for younger children. Besides Arild Andresen’s The Liverpool Goalie [trailer] (previously announced), rising talent Anne Sewitsky (whose Happy, Happy [trailer] is screening at Sundance) is introducing her latest feature, Jørgen + Anne [trailer], about a 10-year-old girl who falls for the new boy in her class. The film is produced by Cinenord Kidstory . SF International handles world sales.

Norway’s biggest hit of 2010, Twigson Ties the Knot [trailer] by Martin Lund, will its international premiere in the section. The Paradox production is sold internationally by Sola Media, which had a hit on their hands with the first Twigson film based on novelist Anne Cath Vestly's character.

Denmark has one film in Generation Kplus: the animated, 3D The Great Bear [trailer] by first-time director Esben Toft Jacobsen. The story of a boy who confronts a giant bear to rescue his sister is produced by Copenhagen Bombay and is set for a February 10 domestic release.

Two other previously announced Danish titles will world premiere in Generation 14plus: Heidi Maria Faisst’s mother-daughter drama Rebounce and Skyscraper by first-timer Rune Schjøtt. Both are handled by TrustNordisk.

Generation 14plus also includes the international premiere of Lisa Aschan’s directorial debut She Monkeys, produced by Sweden's ATMO (Videocracy [trailer], Metropia). The production company calls the film a “modern western about control, sex and creatures”. When Emma meets Cassandra, they initiate a relationship filled with physical and psychological challenges. Emma does whatever it takes to master the rules of the game. Lines are crossed and the stakes get higher and higher. Despite this, Emma can’t resist the intoxicating feeling of total control. World sales are held by The Yellow Affair.