Italian
UK and Nordic cinema collaboration: A new era of genre-bending films
A promising partnership
The 19th Nordic Co-production Market in Haugesund, Norway, is set to showcase four innovative UK titles from directors Zu Quirke, Corinna Faith, Anna Fredrikke Bjerke, and Ashley Horner. This event, organized by New Nordic Films in collaboration with the British Film Institute (BFI), aims to foster co-production opportunities between UK and Nordic filmmakers.
Denitsa Yordanova, head of the UK Global Screen Fund (UKGSF), emphasized the potential of this collaboration, highlighting the vibrant ecosystem of Nordic talents and the region’s suitability for noir and thriller genres. The UKGSF has already supported nine co-productions with the Nordics, including notable films like “Life and Other Problems” and “The Settlers.”
The UK Global Screen Fund’s impact
Since its inception in 2021, the UKGSF has been instrumental in bridging the gap for UK producers post-Brexit. Offering non-recoupable grants up to £300,000, the fund supports projects where the UK producer is a minority partner. Kamilla Kristiane Hodøl, a UK producer, praised the fund for enabling her company, Elation Pictures, to maintain the UK as an official co-production partner.
UK titles making their pitch debut
In a bid to strengthen UK-Nordic co-productions, four UK titles will be pitched at Haugesund. These projects, selected for their creative and financial potential, include:
Unspeakable by Corinna Faith
Produced by The Bureau, known for “The Strays” and “45 Years,” “Unspeakable” is Faith’s follow-up to her 2021 chiller “The Power.” The Bureau’s Gabrielle de Cevins expressed excitement about potential Nordic partnerships, particularly in post-production. Filming is set to begin in summer 2025.
Nothing Holy by Ashley Horner
This black metal horror, directed by Horner and produced by Elation Pictures, follows a Norwegian black metal band recording an album in an isolated Finnish studio. Described as ”Blair Witch meets Spinal Tap,” the film is set to start filming in winter 2025.
The Fell by Zu Quirke
Reuniting Quirke with UK genre specialists Escape Plan, “The Fell” tells the story of a couple dealing with a miscarriage on a haunting subarctic island. The film explores themes of nuanced character drama and folk mythology. Filming is scheduled for late spring/early autumn 2025.
Let it Come Down by Anna Fredrikke Bjerke
Bjerke’s feature debut, produced by Backscatter Productions, is a character-driven thriller exploring complex human behaviors and moral ambiguities. Inspired by films like “Don’t Look Now” and “Beast,” the film will start shooting later this year or early 2025.
Reflections on the future of UK-Nordic collaborations
The UKGSF’s support has been crucial in facilitating these co-productions, providing a platform for UK filmmakers to collaborate with Nordic partners. The shared cultural and geographical heritage between the UK and Nordic countries offers a unique opportunity for storytelling that resonates with both audiences.
As these projects move forward, the potential for groundbreaking cinema is immense. The combination of UK and Nordic talents promises to bring fresh perspectives and innovative narratives to the screen. For cinema enthusiasts, this collaboration is a testament to the power of international partnerships in creating compelling and diverse films.
Additional resources
For more information on the mentioned movies and series, check out the following links:
These links provide trailers and additional details, offering a deeper insight into the exciting projects on the horizon.
Final thoughts
The collaboration between UK and Nordic filmmakers is a promising development in the world of cinema. With the support of the UKGSF and the creative potential of the selected projects, the future looks bright for genre-bending films that push the boundaries of storytelling. For fans of cinema, TV series, and music, this is an exciting time to explore new narratives and innovative filmmaking techniques.
