Haugesund New Nordic Films Reveals Standout Nordic Projects
· news
Nordic Cinema’s Rising Tide: What’s Behind Haugesund’s Sizzling Lineup?
The latest crop of Nordic projects unveiled at New Nordic Films in Haugesund, Norway, showcases a thriving film industry. This year’s slate boasts 36 Nordic features, including 15 Works in Progress and a record number of submissions for the Nordic Co-Production Market (NCPM). Industry head Gyda Velvin Myklebust attributes the exceptional quality of this year’s lineup to a combination of factors.
With over 120 submissions to NCPM, Norway has reached new heights in showcasing its most promising talent alongside established names from across the region. “It’s been easier this year to select high-quality projects in post-production,” Myklebust notes wryly, “perhaps because it’s harder to reach the market or harder to get international recognition.” This observation highlights the changing landscape of European cinema.
As the global film industry becomes increasingly fragmented, smaller nations like Norway are leveraging their unique strengths – linguistic, cultural, and geographical – to gain a competitive edge. The Nordic region’s distinctive blend of quirky humor, atmospheric settings, and socially conscious themes has long been a draw for audiences worldwide.
One notable trend emerging from Haugesund is the rise of female-led projects. From Nataša Urban’s debut horror film “Vagina Dentata” to Ina Grevstad’s empowering drama “The Virtuous,” women are increasingly taking center stage in Nordic cinema, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards greater representation and underscoring the region’s commitment to innovation.
Animation is another area where the Nordics are making waves. Three projects – including Harald Zwart’s epic Viking tale “ViQueens” and Esben Toft Jacobsen’s family-friendly “Millie and the Secret of the Crocodile” – have secured international attention, with world distribution for “Millie” already confirmed with LevelK.
The Nordic Co-Production Market not only showcases the region’s creative prowess but also its business acumen. With nearly 300 professionals from 28 countries set to attend, Haugesund is poised to become a hub for international collaboration and deal-making. As Myklebust notes, “We’re creating opportunities for our partners and co-producers to find new markets and audiences.”
The industry’s attention will soon turn to the French Focus, which promises to bring a unique perspective to NCPM. Four French projects – including “All the Softness in the World” and “Temporary Lives” – will be showcased alongside some of the Nordics’ most promising talent.
As Haugesund comes to a close, it’s clear that Nordic cinema is on the rise. With its bold storytelling, innovative themes, and unwavering commitment to artistic risk-taking, this year’s lineup is set to leave an indelible mark on the global film landscape.
Reader Views
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
The Nordic film industry's resurgence is no fluke. It's a strategic adaptation to the changing global landscape, where smaller nations are leveraging their unique cultural and linguistic assets to compete with behemoths like Hollywood. The key, however, lies in developing sustainable export strategies that cater to emerging markets, rather than solely relying on festival circuit buzz. Haugesund's success story should prompt industry leaders to invest more in market-driven analysis and audience research to ensure these standout projects translate into box office gold.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
The Haugesund lineup is indeed sizzling, but let's not get carried away - this festival's growth in popularity may also lead to increased pressure on smaller budgets and resources. With more projects competing for attention, can the region sustain its momentum without sacrificing artistic vision? The emphasis on female-led films is welcome, but it's equally crucial that these stories don't become tokenistic or reduced to mere checkboxes on a diversity agenda.
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
The Nordic film industry's resurgence is built on more than just a dash of quirky humor and atmospheric settings – it's also fueled by savvy strategic partnerships. As the global market becomes increasingly fragmented, Norway and its neighbors are leveraging co-production agreements to pool resources and tap into international talent. But what about the economic viability of these collaborations? With production budgets soaring and subsidies dwindling, can this delicate balance between creative autonomy and fiscal responsibility sustain the region's cinematic momentum?