MEDIA supports 14 new Norwegian films
by Annika Pham
In its latest round of development support, the EU’s MEDIA Programme has awarded a record NOK3.5m (€455,562) to six Norwegian production companies towards the development of 14 new feature film projects.
Paradox Production, 4½ Production, and Cinenord were awarded development support for three to four feature projects each, and Graceland, Mediamente and Exposed Film for one project each.
Producer Karin Julsrud of 4½ (the company behind Reprise [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Joachim Trier
interview: Karin Julsrud
film profile]) said: “Getting MEDIA support means that our projects are appreciated and acknowledged by European film consultants, which is very valuable. Receiving this seal of confidence on a European level also gives us confidence in the projects and shows that we are going in the right direction. Plus it gives us extra financial muscle for the development process”.
Among the new projects being developed by 4½ are the youth film Yatzy, directed by first timer Katja Eyde Jacobsen, based on a script adaptation by Harald Rosenløw Eeg (Uro [+see also:
trailer
film profile]). The film will go into production next April. Furthermore, Marius Holst (Mirush [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile]) is attached to direct Bastøy, about the infamous borstal on Bastøy Island, south of Oslo.
Producer Finn Gjerdrum says that the MEDIA support will allow his company Paradox to bet on upcoming talent such as Andreas J. Riiser – a graduate from the Lillehammer Film School who was for several years Roy Andersson’s right hand man – now working on his debut feature The Fucked Up Love Test.
The MEDIA support will also enable Paradox to build on its on-going relationships with established filmmakers such as Petter Næss, who will direct Regnskap.
Cinenord’s Tanya Badendyck says she plans to use the MEDIA grant to develop quality children and youth films such as the family film Helt sjef. to be directed by Ole Martin Hafsmo (Switch) and the youth drama Vegas, written and directed by Gunnar Vikene (Trigger [+see also:
trailer
film profile]).
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