Exploring Scandinavia

Distribution rights for “Kraken” have already been secured for the entire American continent as well as Germany, France, and Spain. The world market is pouncing on the Norwegian monster movie

When the mythical “Kraken” rises from the depths of the Sognefjord, so do the sales figures. The Norwegian monster film is making headlines in the international press and is already topping the AFM Hot List after a massive buzz at the Berlinale. “Kraken” has now been sold to 38 countries before the film is finished being cut, probably the most significant international advance sales for a Norwegian genre film ever.

“It has been fantastic to see the enormous interest in “Kraken”, also in international waters! We have never experienced anything like it. The interest from the first pitch was enormous, and the rights disappeared quickly. People want to see “shark summer in the Sognefjord” – a classic monster film in spectacular Norwegian nature,” says producer John Einar Hagen.

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Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired North American rights to Pal Oie’s monster film Kraken for TrustNordisk; Gussi has taken Latin American rights. The film is currently in pre-production, with a €5.3m (£4.5m) budget, and a 2025 theatrical release pencilled in for Norway.

Pal Øie has reunited with the producers of his 2019 action thriller, The Tunnel, to direct the new Norwegian monster movie.

“For us at TrustNordisk, “The Kraken” is already a huge success! We have hardly ever seen such great interest and such good sales for a Norwegian film so early. It stands out in the crowd with the combination of a classic “creature-feature” set in perhaps the world’s most beautiful landscape. Without a single shark in the cast!” says sales director Nicolai Korsgaard.

Kraken is about a marine biologist investigating strange occurrences in Norway’s deepest fjord. Sara Khorami stars with Mikkel Bratt Silset, Ingvild Holthe Bygdnes, Steinar Klouman Hallert, and Jenny Evensen.

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“At the bottom of Norway’s deepest fjord rests a mythical monster as large as a mountain, with a myriad of arms ready to crush and devour anything they can grab,” the film’s synopsis reads.

The film is currently in post-production and is scheduled for release in late 2025.

The World Market is Pouncing on Norwegian Monster Movie, reported by Tor Kjolberg
All images © TrustNordisk

Henriette Steenstrup’s comedic creation, middle-aged single mother Pernille, has become a Norwegian national treasure. The original Viaplay comedy hit, also known as Pørni, can now be watched on Netflix, as the company has recommissioned seasons 4-5.

Henriette Steenstrup’s series, now in its fifth season, serves up affable, down-to-earth chaos. It displays a rare ability to mix comedy with heartwarming drama without shying away from serious issues.

Steenstrup spent over 10 days in an ER in Oslo to bring maximum authenticity to her script and acting. “It was an incredible experience, and I’m so grateful to the wonderful professionals who helped me.”

Thematically, the show portrays various facets of Norwegian society. “It will be a ‘micro-Norway,’ mirroring people’s fears, dreams and main concerns, from aging to mental illness.”

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In May, Netflix offers more tragicomedy from Henriette Steenstrup’s incomparable Pørni – but then it’s over! Unfortunately, the American streaming giant announces that the fifth season will be the last we will see of the incomparable Pørni & Co.

“Healthcare is one of the biggest problems in our society, and a true headache for politicians. You can pour in a lot of money, but there are always priorities to take,” says Steenstrup.

The upcoming season will consist of six episodes and is (once again) written by series creator Steenstrup. The main cast includes Henriette Steenstrup, Nils Ole Oftebro, Vivild Falk Berg, Ebba Bellarubin Jacobsen Öberg, Jon Ranes, Gunnar Eiriksson, Deniz Kaya, Henrik Mestad, Jan Gunnar Røise, Agnes Kittelsen, Ulrikke Døvigen.

With the decision to end the series, Netflix is ​​reporting that “an era is over” for a series that has been an exceptional success both in its home market and with a global streaming audience.

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A sad but proud Steenstrup states:

“It feels like saying goodbye to a loud, loving, beloved family member. I never thought that this series about a single mother who doesn’t suck on the candy of grief – would touch so many.”

A Norwegian National Treasure – on Netflix, reported by Tor Kjolberg
Feature image (top) © Kristoffer Myhre/Brandpeople