WRITTEN BY: Annika Pham
Six Nordic drama series have been announced as nominees for the NOK 200,000 (€20,000) Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize 2019, presented at TV Drama Vision in Göteborg.
PRESS RELEASE - Göteborg Film Festival/Nordisk Film & TV Fond, December 18, 2018
For the third consecutive year, the award for outstanding writing of a Nordic Drama series, funded by Nordisk Film & TV Fond, will be handed out at Göteborg Film Festival’s TV Drama Vision.
This year, six drama series – two from Norway and one each from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden - are nominated for the award, which goes to the series’ main writer(s).
The first two episodes of the nominated series will be screened as part of the programme of the Göteborg Film Festival. The winner will be announced at the TV Drama Vision award ceremony on January 30, 2019.
To download the full press release please CLICK HERE.
To see information about this years nominated TV series, including trailers please CLICK HERE.
This year’s jury consists of Finnish actress Laura Birn (The Innocents, A Walk Among the Tombstones), Swedish actor Alexander Karim (The Lawyer, Tyrant, Zero Dark Thirty), Swedish/American journalist and TV and podcast producer Christina Jeurling Birro (Pop Culture Confidential) and British content consultant and producer Justin Judd (Hulu, Content Media Corporation, Nevision)
Petri Kemppinen, CEO of Nordisk Film & TV Fond said: “The number of TV dramas commissioned in the Nordics is rising dramatically. The Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize aims to highlight the unique concepts of TV commissioning and to promote the outstanding writing talents in the Nordics. This year’s nominees illustrate the wide range of high quality dramas, many of which have already proven their ability to connect with local audiences, thanks to engaging stories, often deeply rooted in Nordic history and traditions.”
Cia Edström, Head of TV Drama Vision at Göteborg Film Festival said: "Screenwriters and their stories are the main reasons Nordic drama series keep flourishing. We at Göteborg Film Festival are very proud to present this year’s nominees, up for the Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize, highlighting the wide range of stories and genres present in Scandinavian TV.”
The 42nd Göteborg Film Festival runs January 25 to February 4, 2019.
The Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize nominees
THE NEW NURSES (Sygeplejeskolen)
Denmark, 2018, 6 x 40’
Nominated writers: Claudia Boderke, Lars Mering
Director: Roni Ezra
Producer: Senia Dremstrup
Produced by SF Studios
For TV2 Charlie / TV 2 Denmark
Nordic distributor: TV 2 Sales
International distributor: REInvent Studios
In 1952 matron Margrethe launches a controversial experiment at Fredenslund Hospital: To train men as nurses. The young soldier Erik persuades Margrethe to accept him as a part of the programme, and as he joins the first mixed-gender class the upper-class girl, Anna, catches his attention. The new students want to make a difference but they are up against rigid rules, prejudices and antiquated conventions.
ALL THE SINS (Kaikki synnit)
Finland, 2019, 6 x 45’
Nominated writers: Merja Aakko, Mika Ronkainen
Director: Mika Ronkainen
Producer: Ilkka Matila Produced by MRP Matila Röhr Productions Oy For Elisa Viihde
International distributor: Sky Vision
An addictively intriguing crime thriller about complex relationships and small town prejudices. After a ten-year absence, Detective Lauri Räihä is sent to investigate the murders of two men in the small northern town where he grew up. Lauri seeks answers to the case only to discover other truths about himself, his home town, and whether one has the power to forgive all sins.
THE FLATEY ENIGMA (Flateyjargátan)
Iceland, 2018, 4 x 52’
Nominated writer: Margrét Örnólfsdóttir
Directors: Björn B. Björnsson
Producers: Anna Vigdís Gísladóttir, Björn B. Björnsson, Þórhallur Gunnarsson Produced by Sagafilm / Reykjavik Films For RÚV
International distributor: Sky Vision
In the spring of 1971, Johanna, a professor of Nordic Studies is accused of murder. To prove her innocence Johanna has to solve the enigmatic riddle of The Book of Flatey, a medieval manuscript about the Kings of Norway. On her journey to solve the riddle, Johanna will have to delve deep into darkness and heartache.
KIELER STREET (Kielergata)
Norway, 2018, 10 x 45’
Nominated writers: Stig Frode Henriksen, Jesper Sundnes, Patrik Syversen
Directors: Patrik Syversen, Cecilie A. Mosli
Producers: Anne Kolbjørnsen, Ole Marius Araldsen, Kornelia Lund
Produced by Anagram Norway For TV2 Norway
International distributor: ITV Studios Global Entertainment
Former criminal Jonas has assumed a new identity and lives in Scandinavia’s least criminal town, but the facade starts falling apart when he realizes that several other inhabitants have hidden identities. And they’re all willing to do anything it takes to protect their new lives.
STATE OF HAPPINESS (Lykkeland)
Norway, 2018, 8 x 45’
Nominated writer: Mette M. Bølstad
Based on a concept by Siv Rajendram Eliassen, after an idea by Synnøve Hørsdal
Directors: Petter Næss & Pål Jackman
Producers: Synnøve Hørsdal and Ales Ree
Produced by Maipo Film For NRK
International distributor: DR Sales
It’s the summer of 1969 in the small coastal town of Stavanger, Norway. International oil companies have been test drilling for years, but nothing has been found and they are in the process of leaving. Stavanger lives off fish, and the North Sea is emptying out. Something has to happen. The town is in crisis. The night before Christmas 1969, the gas flare at the Ocean Viking is lit. Phillips Petroleum has found the largest sub sea oil basin in history. And everything is about to change.
THE INNER CIRCLE (Den inre cirkeln)
Sweden, 2019, 8 x 45’
Nominated writer: Håkan Lindhé
Co-writers: Anna Platt & Maja Winkler
Directors: Anders Hazelius, Håkan Lindhé
Producer: Håkan Hammarén
Produced by Fundament Film For Viaplay
International distributor: DRG
The Swedish political elite have all gathered at ‘Almedalen week’, the world famous political forum. The Prime Minister is expected to stand down. But who will be her successor? David Ehrling, Minister for Enterprise, sees the opportunity to fulfill his life long dream. But does he have what it takes? Is he willing to pay the price? And is it really worth it?
Last year’s winner of the NORDISK FILM & TV FOND PRIZE was Adam Price, writer of the Danish TV drama Ride Upon the Storm (Herrens veje).
For further information about previous winners CLICK HERE.
For more information:
Petri Kemppinen, CEO Nordisk Film & TV Fond, petri@nordiskfilmogtvfond.com
OR
Cia Edström, Head of TV Drama Vision, Göteborg Film Festival,
cia.edstrom@goteborgfilmfestival.se, +46 70 872 23
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