The Norwegian Film Institute and Talent Norge have launched the development scheme UP targeting female directors and producers working in film, documentary and TV drama.

The programme UP is open to 12 participants a year and focuses on the creative process, as well as on each individual’s development as filmmaker.

Each attendant receives a grant of NOK 50,000 (around €5,300) and access to professional workshops, networking and coaching. The goal is for at least 80% of participants to produce a film within three years after completing the training programme.

NFI:Lab’s Jannicke Stendal Hansen has been appointed Project Manager for UP; she will work closely with Maria Bock, in charge of women’s skills development at Talent Norge, supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Culture, Cultiva and Sparebankstiftelsen DNB foundations.

Stine Helgeland, Deputy Director, Communication, Insights & International Relations at the Norwegian Film Institute said: "In order to achieve a better gender balance in the film sector, we are completely dependent on everyone to join forces. We are therefore very pleased to be part of a collaboration with Talent Norway on a development programme for female filmmakers. This programme is one of several initiatives the NFI has implemented to achieve the 50/50 gender balance target by 2020.”

Commenting on the initiative, writer/director Iram Haq said she wished this programme was around when she started off in the film business. “I was unsure and insecure and hoped for an opportunity to exchange experience and lean on other people. To have someone who believes in you and strives for you will make a difference,” she said.

Director Hans Petter Moland concurred with Haq. “All measures to promote more female voices have so far not worked, so this is good,” he said. “[This initiative] will give filmmakers a concrete opportunity to gain experience and reach their goals. “However, the director of In Order of Disappearance pointed out that for such an initiative to succeed, more funding to feature film will also be needed.