In 2023 and 2024, New Nordic Films is placing a special emphasis on co-productions with the United Kingdom, seeking to foster deeper collaborations between the UK and the Nordic countries. The initiative aims to open doors for new partnerships, bringing together filmmakers and industry professionals from both regions to explore co-production opportunities in cinema.

From August 20th to 23rd, 2024, New Nordic Films will partner with the British Film Institute (BFI) to welcome a delegation from the UK film industry. The special “Focus on the UK” programme will include a variety of activities designed to facilitate collaboration. This will feature panel discussions on co-production strategies, networking events where filmmakers can exchange ideas and experiences, and a deep dive into a recent case study showcasing a successful co-production between the UK and Nordic countries.

The focus on UK-Nordic co-productions is seen as an exciting development for both sides, with the potential to bring fresh perspectives to storytelling, broaden market reach, and enhance the global presence of both the UK and Nordic film industries. The programme will serve as an important platform for building lasting professional relationships and exploring new projects that bridge the cultural and creative landscapes of the UK and the Nordics.

By highlighting co-productions at this prestigious event, New Nordic Films aims to encourage cross-border collaboration, further solidifying the reputation of both regions as creative powerhouses in global cinema.

The partnership between New Nordic Films and the British Film Institute (BFI) marks a pivotal moment in the growing relationship between the Nordic countries and the UK within the film industry. As co-productions become increasingly vital in a globalized entertainment market, this initiative is designed to create lasting synergies that enhance both regions’ ability to produce high-quality, internationally marketable films.

One of the highlights of the “Focus on the UK” programme is the opportunity for attendees to learn from successful case studies that showcase the practicalities and rewards of UK-Nordic co-productions. These case studies will offer insight into the challenges and solutions of working across borders, including financing structures, creative collaboration, and distribution strategies. It’s expected that the discussions will highlight successful collaborations from past years, showcasing the creative diversity that emerges from the fusion of Nordic storytelling with British cinematic expertise.

COURTESY: Nathan Florence

In addition to formal discussions, the programme will include one-on-one networking sessions, where filmmakers from both the UK and the Nordic countries will have the chance to meet potential collaborators, distributors, and financiers. These intimate networking opportunities are a key part of the event, as they offer a space for filmmakers to share their projects and explore possible partnerships.

The focus on the UK comes at a time when the Nordic film industry is experiencing a boom in international recognition. With films from the region increasingly finding audiences in global markets, co-productions with the UK can further strengthen the Nordic film industry’s presence on the world stage. The UK’s extensive experience in large-scale productions, along with its international distribution networks, is seen as a valuable asset to Nordic filmmakers looking to expand their reach.

Moreover, this partnership will allow Nordic filmmakers to tap into the UK’s rich cinematic traditions, skilled workforce, and innovative production techniques, while UK filmmakers will benefit from the unique stories, landscapes, and cultural perspectives offered by the Nordic region. This exchange promises to yield projects that resonate with diverse audiences and push the boundaries of contemporary filmmaking.

As the event approaches, there is growing anticipation for the increased visibility it will bring to both regions’ film industries. The “Focus on the UK” programme is set to strengthen the creative ties between the Nordic countries and the UK, fostering collaborations that will help shape the future of global cinema.

The “Focus on the UK” programme at New Nordic Films in Haugesund is also seen as an essential step in expanding opportunities for up-and-coming filmmakers from both regions. Through this initiative, the festival hopes to nurture new talent by providing emerging filmmakers with the resources, knowledge, and networks they need to succeed on an international scale. In addition to the industry panels and case studies, the event will feature mentorship sessions, where established professionals from both the UK and Nordic countries will offer guidance to younger filmmakers.

One of the key goals of the programme is to increase the flow of talent and ideas between the UK and the Nordic countries. By fostering collaborations between film professionals who may have never worked together before, New Nordic Films aims to create a more interconnected and dynamic film community. The UK’s wealth of experience in producing diverse genres, from large-budget blockbusters to indie films, complements the Nordic countries’ reputation for producing thought-provoking, character-driven stories. This partnership promises to open up new creative possibilities and create films that appeal to a broad, global audience.

COURTESY: World Friends

The event’s focus on co-productions is particularly timely in light of shifting dynamics in international financing, distribution, and the growing demand for global content. In the face of these challenges, the ability to pool resources, share risks, and combine creative strengths through co-productions has become a vital strategy for filmmakers. The Nordic countries have long been at the forefront of this approach, and the UK’s involvement further solidifies the collaborative nature of the contemporary film industry.

The 2024 programme will also include screenings of recent successful co-productions between the UK and the Nordic countries, allowing attendees to experience firsthand how these collaborations have translated into successful films. This curated selection will showcase the strengths of combining Nordic storytelling with British cinematic techniques and production capabilities. It will serve as a powerful reminder of the potential for future collaborations and the enduring appeal of stories that transcend national borders.

As the film industry continues to evolve in an increasingly interconnected world, initiatives like the “Focus on the UK” programme are paving the way for greater collaboration and mutual understanding between cultures. By highlighting the importance of co-productions, New Nordic Films is helping to create an environment where filmmakers from the UK and the Nordic countries can work together to push the boundaries of creativity, storytelling, and production, ultimately shaping the future of global cinema.

In addition to the screenings and networking opportunities, the “Focus on the UK” programme at New Nordic Films will emphasize the importance of cultural exchange. Filmmakers, producers, and distributors from both regions will explore the ways in which their respective film industries can support each other in terms of content creation, distribution, and market access. By fostering a greater understanding of each other’s traditions, trends, and audience expectations, the programme aims to create a lasting dialogue that benefits all involved.

COURTESY: Marché du Film – Festival de Cannes

The UK’s diverse film industry has long been a significant force in global cinema, and this new partnership with the Nordic region will further elevate that influence. From exploring the rich landscapes of the Nordic countries through the lens of British filmmakers, to introducing Nordic talents to the vast UK market, the programme is a bold step toward forging a more unified European film industry. The presence of industry leaders from the UK, including studio heads, distributors, and financiers, will provide valuable insights into the current state of the UK film industry and how Nordic filmmakers can tap into these opportunities.

With the support of the British Film Institute (BFI), the event will also highlight the critical role that film festivals and film commissions play in fostering international co-productions. Representatives from both the Nordic countries and the UK will discuss how institutions like the BFI and various Nordic film commissions support filmmakers with funding, resources, and expertise. They will also explore the significance of film festivals in bringing attention to co-productions, facilitating international sales, and providing filmmakers with a platform to showcase their work on the global stage.

Moreover, the special focus on the UK will showcase the breadth of talent that both regions have to offer. Filmmakers from the UK will be invited to share their experiences working in co-productions with Nordic filmmakers, offering behind-the-scenes perspectives on how these collaborations come to life. Additionally, Nordic filmmakers will share their success stories of working with UK production companies, demonstrating how these partnerships lead to groundbreaking work.

Another important aspect of the programme will be the focus on the future of the industry. Discussions around emerging technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI), will allow filmmakers from both regions to explore the next frontiers of film production and distribution. The role of streaming platforms in driving international co-productions will also be a key topic, as both the UK and the Nordic countries continue to explore ways to reach wider, global audiences.

As the film industry continues to face challenges like shifting distribution models, changing audience preferences, and economic pressures, the collaboration between the UK and Nordic countries offers a strategic advantage. By pooling resources, knowledge, and creative ideas, these co-productions can push boundaries and set new standards in filmmaking, storytelling, and cinematic art.

Ultimately, the “Focus on the UK” programme is a celebration of the power of collaboration. It brings together the creative energies of two dynamic film regions to inspire new ways of thinking, working, and telling stories. As the programme grows, it is expected to strengthen ties between the UK and Nordic countries, fostering deeper connections and creating new opportunities for filmmakers, audiences, and the global film industry as a whole.

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