Finland selects Girl Picture for Oscar race, Denmark, Norway Sweden shortlist 3 films

The coming-of-age drama which will represent Finland at the Oscars race for Best International Feature, was selected by a national jury consisting of producer Max Malka, director Tommi Seitajoki, composer Lauri Porra, actor Katri-Maria Peltola and the Finnish Film Foundation’s Head of International Jaana Puskala. The secretary of the jury is the Finnish Chamber of Films’ Susanna Shepherd and chairperson Tero Koistinen.

The jury described Girl Picture as a “harmonious film which evokes emotions and keeps the audience engaged. Every facet of the film is of high quality and it is an excellent specimen of its genre. The jury also complimented the fresh and modern acting.”

Since its successful Sundance launch, Girl Picture has travelled to 20 international festivals and was sold by LevelK to 20 territories including the US (Strand Releasing), UK & Ireland (Vertigo Releasing); Japan (Medallion Media); Germany, Austria, Switzerland (RTL/Salzgeber & Co); Italy (I Wonder Pictures); Spain & Portugal (FilmIn); Benelux (Cinemien); Poland (Aurora Films); Israel (TLVFest) and Eastern Europe (HBO Europe).

The film produced by Leila Lyytikäinen, Elina Pohjola opened in Finland last April via Nordisk Film.

Denmark has shortlisted three films for the Oscars’ race:

• Holy Spider by Ali Abbasi for which Zar Amir Ebrahimi won Best Actress in Cannes. The Profile Pictures production sold by Wild Bunch will be released in the US by Utopia. It is due to open October 13 in Denmark.
• Forever by Frelle Petersen, set to screen in competition at San Sebastian. The film produced by Zentropa has sold nearly 100,000 tickets since it opened domestically in July. TrustNordisk handles sales.

• As in Heaven by Tea Lindeburg, winner of two Silver Shells at the last San Sebastian Film Festival and Dragon Award-Best Nordic Film in Göteborg. The Motor Production sold by LevelK will be released by Juno Films in the US. It opened last February in Denmark.
  

Norway's shortlisted films are the following:

• Sick of Myself by Kristoffer Borgli, which world premiered at Cannes' Un Certain Regard. The satire produced by Oslo Pictures opened September 9 in Norway. It will next screen at the London Film Festival. Memento International handles sales.
• Everybody Hates Johan by Hallvar Witzø which just picked up two Amanda awards for Best Score and Best Make Up. The comedy produced by Nordisk Film Production opened March 25 in Norway. TrustNordisk handles sales.
• War Sailor by Gunnar Vikene, which opened the Norwegian Film Festival in Haugesund before heading off to Toronto. The WW2 drama produced by Mer Film is due to open September 23 in Norway. Beta Cinema handles sales.

Sweden’s shortlist is the following:

• Boy from Heaven by Tarik Saleh, recipient of a Best Script award in Cannes.
  The film produced by Atmo is due to open November 18 in Sweden. Memento Film International handles sales.
• I am Zlatan by Jens Sjögren which had its international premiere at the last Rome Film Festival. The B-RF production opened last March in Sweden. TrustNordisk handles sales.
• Nelly & Nadine by Magnus Gertten, winner of a Jury Prize at the Teddy Awards in Berlin. The documentary film produced by Auto Images will be released in the US by Wolfe Releasing. The love story about two women who met at a concentration camp on Christmas Eve 1944, was released in March in Sweden. Rise & Shine handles sales.

Sweden's final Oscar entry will be announced September 22, Denmark’s final choice September 23 and Norway's Oscars candidate September 26.

The 15 finalists for the Oscars shortlist will be announced December 21 and the final five choices January 24, 2023. The 95^th Academy Awards will be handed out March 12, 2023 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.