The acclaimed directors’ second features pitched at the Nordic Co-production Market are Swedish producer Annika Rogell’s star projects for 2019.

“What drives me is working with visionary auteurs, on socio-politically engaged and emotional stories that connect with people,” said the prolific producer who set up Tangy in 2013 for Lenken’s award-winning directorial debut My Skinny Sister.

Lenken’s next feature Dolly for President based on the director’s original script tells of 14-year old Dolores who is put in a foster family by social services. Despite the family’s best intentions, their relationship is put to test, and when the foster parents’ own daughter Nadja (6) is put at risk, they hesitate between keeping Dolores or risking Nadja’s safety. “The film will be altogether a personal drama and a suspense thriller; it will be authentic, entertaining and filled with humour,” said Lenken who will draw from her own parenting experience and from her research among foster families.

For Rogell, the project is about 'being young today and not being fortunate enough to be brought up in a family who can provide the love needed’. The €1.6m film has received development support from the Swedish Film Institute; shooting is set to start next year.

Alami’s The Opponent will be set in a small desolate northern Swedish village. It’s the riveting story of a secret love affair between a former Iranian Olympic wrestler and his teammate, which sets off violent repercussions for him and his family. For the Iranian born director, working between Sweden and Denmark, the film is ‘a psychological mystery thriller about sex, violence and masculinity’. “The title of the film The Opponent refers to main character’s biggest opponent, who is actually himself, as he can get the death penalty in Iran.” Structurally, the film will be constructed like a puzzle, with secrets gradually uncovered.

For Rogell, Alami ‘s talent in actor-direction and  multi-layered storytelling, will create another unique drama with A-festival potential. The €2m project scheduled for an early 2019 production start, will be shot mostly in English, with some Persian and Swedish language. Alami and Rogell are looking for a strong international actor for the main role.

Rogell was also at Haugesund with Pella Kågerman and Hugo Lilja’s debut film Aniara, screening at the market before its Toronto Discovery Programme world premiere. The Swedish sci-fi film was produced for Meta Film Stockholm.

Projects in development include the feature length debut of Swedish director Jenifer Malmqvist, Sundance nominated and Guldbagge winner with her short film On Suffocation.