Rational Solution (De rationella) the feature film debut of Jörgen Bergmark (co-writer and co-producer of Kitchen Stories) won the Arte French Cinema Award at Cinemart 2007. The tragic-comedy focuses on Erland Fjellgren, an active church member who suddenly falls in love with his best friend's wife and comes up with a rational solution - everyone concerned should try to live together in his and his wife's house. In the lead roles are Rolf Lassgård, Pernilla August, Stina Ekblad and Claes Ljungmark. Other crew members include music composer Nathan Larson (Boys Don't Cry, Lilja 4 Ever) and cinematographer Anders Bohman (Heaven's Heart).
The film is produced by Helena Danielsson for Hepp Film (Sweden), in co-production with Finland's Tero Kaukomaa (Blind Spot Pictures), with co-financing from broadcasters YLE and SVT. Domestic distribution will be handled by Nordisk Film and international sales by The Match Factory. Shooting will start on April 21, until June 17, 2008.
In Angel (working title in English), the directorial debut of the established documentary filmmaker Margreth Olin (Raw Youth), Marie Bonnevie plays a drug addict who becomes a mother and has to deal with responsibility and self-respect. Also in the cast are Lena Endre and Antti Reini.
The €2.5m film which starts shooting in April is produced by Thomas Robsham for Speranza Film (Norway) in co-production with Periferia Productions (Finland). Co-financiers include broadcasters NRK, SVT, YLE TV1, as well as Nordisk Film & TV Fond.
Last Cowboy Standing (Skavabölen pojat) produced by Jarkko Hentula (Juonifilmi Oy) in co-production with Niko Film (Germany), will be Zaida Bergroth's directorial debut. Based on Antti Raivio's successful play, it is the story of a family breaking apart in Finland during the 1970s - 1980s. Ilmari Järvenpää and Onni Helander are the leads.
The project received co-financing from broadcasters YLE TV1, ZDF/Arte and Nordisk Film & TV Fond. Shooting will take place between April 22 and June 30, 2008. FS Film will release the film in spring 2009.
One Foot Under (Toinen jalka haudasta) is a romantic comedy in which the 35 year-old Visa Vuorio is - mistakenly - diagnosed with a fatal disease. Meanwhile, his love life is turned upside down when he meets a young reporter.
The €1.1m project to be directed by Johanna Vuoksenmaa is produced by Riina Hyytiä for Dionysos Films Oy, in co-production with YLE. Shooting will start on May 5, and delivery date is set for spring 2009. Sandrew Metronome will handle domestic release.