Norway’s cinematic renaissance: A deep dive into Thomas Robsahm’s ambitious film slate
A new era for Norwegian cinema
Norwegian cinema is experiencing a renaissance, and at the heart of this transformation is Thomas Robsahm, a heavyweight producer with over 50 films to his credit. Known for his work on the double Oscar-nominated “The Worst Person in the World,” Robsahm is now gearing up for his busiest film slate ever. This article explores his upcoming projects, the talent development initiative Filmskapere, and the broader implications for Norwegian cinema.
Upcoming projects: A diverse and ambitious lineup
Dancing Queen in Hollywood
First on the list is “Dancing Queen in Hollywood,” a sequel to Aurora Gossé’s 2023 family hit “Dancing Queen.” The original film garnered multiple awards, including best children’s film in Zurich and Seattle, and secured distribution deals in over 30 territories. Produced by Robsahm’s outfit Amarcord, this feel-good children’s film is currently in post-production and is set for release in 2025. For more details, check out the Dancing Queen in Hollywood trailer.
My First Love
Next up is “My First Love” (“Jeg heter Karla”), directed by debut helmer Mari Storstein. The film, which started shooting on July 29, tells the story of Karla, a 19-year-old wheelchair user who finds love in a home for people with disabilities. This poignant narrative promises to be a heartfelt exploration of love and acceptance. For more information, visit the My First Love page.
The Murder of Benjamin
In September, filming will commence for “The Murder of Benjamin,” a film about the first racially motivated murder in Norway. Directed by Ingvild Søderlind, known for her work on Netflix’s “Battle: Freestyle” and “Royalteen Princess Margrethe,” this film offers a gripping perspective through the eyes of two young boys and a mother. Discover more about The Murder of Benjamin.
Isle
in November-December, acclaimed director Maria Sødahl will return with “Isle” (“Ø”). Robsahm and Sigurd Mikal Karoliussen will produce this film for Nordisk Film Denmark, in co-production with Norway’s Eye Eye Pictures. Sødahl previously collaborated with Robsahm on the Oscar-shortlisted “Hope.” For a sneak peek, check out the Isle trailer.
Filmskapere: Nurturing the next generation of filmmakers
A talent hotbed
Robsahm’s projects share two common denominators: they all feature female directors, writers, and lead actors, and they were all developed through his talent development initiative, Filmskapere. Established in 2018, Filmskapere is a unique long-term program that allows Norwegian writing, directing, and producing talents to freely explore their ideas. The initiative has received significant funding from Talent Norge and the private Tom Wilhelmsen Foundation.
Success stories
The program has already produced several notable successes. Maria Sødahl’s “Hope,” Eskil Vogt’s “The Innocents,” and Joachim Trier’s “The Worst Person in the World” are just a few examples. Other standout projects include Kristoffer Borgli’s “Sick of Myself,” Aurora Gossé’s “Dancing Queen,” and Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel’s “Armand.” These films have not only garnered critical acclaim but have also made significant impacts at international festivals.
The secret to success
A flexible approach
What sets Filmskapere apart is its flexible approach to talent development. Unlike traditional schemes, Filmskapere allows filmmakers to stay within the program for as long as they need. This flexibility has enabled talents like Ingvild Søderlind to work on multiple projects, including two Netflix movies, while still being part of the initiative.
Personal reflections
As a cinema enthusiast, it’s inspiring to see a program that prioritizes talent over bureaucracy. The success of Filmskapere lies in its ability to adapt to the unique needs of each participant, providing them with the freedom to develop their projects on their own terms. This approach has undoubtedly contributed to the high visibility of Norwegian talents on the global stage.
Looking ahead
Robsahm hopes that Filmskapere will continue to foster the development of free-spirited talents and ensure the continuity of high-quality Norwegian films. He also aims to inspire other programs to trust the professionals—producers and distributors—who bring these projects to the audience, rather than relying too heavily on rigid systems.
Thomas Robsahm’s ambitious film slate and the success of Filmskapere signal a bright future for Norwegian cinema. With a focus on nurturing talent and producing diverse, high-quality films, Norway is poised to make a significant impact on the global cinematic landscape.