Helgeland cites personal reasons and a wish to “explore new territories” behind her resignation and departure from the Norwegian Film Institute which takes effect August 1st, 2020. 

The highly-regarded Norwegian film executive joined the Norwegian Film Institute in 2010 as Head of the Promotion and Marketing Department, before being promoted in her current position in 2016.

Prior to joining the NFI, she worked 13 years at Sandrew Metronome in various positions from Marketing Executive at Sandrew Metronome Norway to Executive Vice President Acquisitions, Distribution at Sandrew Metronome International AB.

During her time at the NFI, she held different board responsibilities, including as Chairwoman of the Board at Nordisk Film & TV Fond between January 2017 to December 2019. She has a minor in social anthropology and a Master’s degree in Media Management.

Helgeland says: “It has been ten exciting years at the NFI and now it’s time to say goodbye.

"I truly love the Norwegian Film Institute, our mandate and my skilled and hardworking colleagues, but there is a time for everything and the corona crisis combined with personal life changing events, have made it clear to me that now is a good time to move on and explore new territories,” she acknowledges, adding: “Knowing that our new CEO Kjersti Mo will be able to steer the NFI and its crew boldly and safely into the future has also made the choice to leave easier.”

Commenting on changes in the industry while she was at the NFI, she says: “coming from acquisitions and distribution it has been exciting to see the growing reputation and sales for Norwegian films, not to mention Norwegian Drama Series, at home and abroad. And as a person who puts a high value on what’s right and wrong, it has been especially rewarding to be able to work with gender equality and diversity strategies and programmes, seeing that Norwegian films across formats and budgets reached 50/50 by 2020.”

The NFI CEO Kjersti Mo says: “Stine has been a key member of the NFI executive management team for ten years and her contribution to the organisation and the industry is invaluable. She came from acquisitions and distribution and has always had the audience in mind, and with her academic background she is always investigative and good at taking the greater perspective, analysing the situation and coming up with creative strategies and measures.”

Mo goes on: “Her international experience and network have been crucial both for NFI’s international work and the international success for Norwegian films and drama series. I know that her colleagues and staff will miss her – and so will I.”