Strand Releasing secures North American rights for ‘Love’ by Dag Johan Haugerud
A new chapter in modern relationships
Strand Releasing has acquired the North American rights for Norwegian filmmaker Dag Johan Haugerud‘s latest film, Love, which is set to make its world premiere on September 6th at the Venice Film Festival. This acquisition marks another milestone for Strand Releasing as it celebrates its 35th anniversary.
The trilogy of intimacy
Love is the second installment in Haugerud’s trilogy, following Sex, which premiered at the Berlinale. The trilogy, which also includes the upcoming Dreams, delves deep into the complexities of modern relationships and intimacy. Strand Releasing had previously acquired Sex and plans to release both films theatrically in the spring of 2025.
A unique narrative on relationships
Jon Gerrans, co-president of Strand, praised Haugerud’s work, stating, “Haugerud has crafted a wonderfully intelligent, provocative, and unique approach to personal, adult relationships, with a sly wink toward our own attitudes toward sex, love, and desire.”
The story of ‘Love’
Love tells the story of Marianne, a pragmatic doctor, and Tor, a compassionate nurse, who both avoid conventional relationships. One evening, after a blind date, Marianne encounters Tor on a ferry. Tor, who often spends his nights there seeking casual encounters with men, shares his experiences of spontaneous intimacy. Intrigued by his perspective, Marianne begins to explore whether casual intimacy could also be an option for her.
Marianne is portrayed by Andrea Bræin Hovig, and Tor is played by Tayo Cittadella Jacobsen.
Global reach
M-Appeal, handling world sales for the film, has already closed deals for Love in several countries, including France, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Benelux, Spain, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Switzerland. These distributors had previously acquired Sex and are planning theatrical releases in their respective territories.
Production and collaboration
Love is produced by Yngve Sæther and Hege Hauff Hvattum for Motlys and is co-produced by Oslo Filmfond.
Strand’s recent acquisitions
Strand Releasing has also recently acquired several other notable titles, including Wild Diamond, which debuted in Cannes competition, Viet and Nam, featured in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard, and Young Hearts, showcased in Berlinale Generation.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
As a cinema enthusiast, it’s fascinating to see how filmmakers like Haugerud explore the nuances of human relationships. His trilogy promises to offer a thought-provoking look at intimacy, challenging our preconceived notions and encouraging us to reflect on our own experiences. The characters of Marianne and Tor, with their unconventional approach to relationships, provide a fresh perspective that is both relatable and intriguing.
For those interested in exploring more about these films, you can watch the trailers and find additional information on the following links:
In-depth analysis
Haugerud’s work stands out for its ability to blend realism with a touch of whimsy, creating narratives that are both grounded and imaginative. His characters are often flawed yet deeply human, making their journeys all the more compelling. The exploration of casual intimacy in Love is particularly timely, as it reflects the evolving dynamics of modern relationships in an increasingly digital world.
Distinctive comments
One of the most striking aspects of Haugerud’s films is his ability to capture the subtleties of human interaction. The dialogues are sharp, the emotions raw, and the situations often mirror real-life complexities. This authenticity is what makes his films resonate with audiences, offering a mirror to our own lives and relationships.
Final thoughts
For those who appreciate cinema that challenges the status quo and delves into the intricacies of human connections, Haugerud’s trilogy is a must-watch. With Love set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival, it will be interesting to see how audiences and critics respond to this latest exploration of intimacy and relationships.
Stay tuned for more updates on these films and other exciting releases from Strand Releasing.