Launched last September at the ‘High Five Toronto' event at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2009, the International Cinema Distribution Support scheme was aimed at supporting distributors outside the Nordic region (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden) who had acquired rights to Nordic films selected at TIFF 2009, during or after the festival. Thirteen Nordic titles were eligible for the support that consisted of top-financing, not subject to reimbursement. Distributors had until December 1st to apply.
Immediately after the High Five Toronto event, several distributors and sales agents gave a very positive feedback. "At a time when foreign language needs support like never before, it's encouraging to see action being taken," said Ryan Werner, VP marketing and PR at US distribution outfit IFC Films. Stephanie Zeitler, head of sales at Bavaria Film International Sales added: "I think this is a very important initiative which will definitely help selling more Scandinavian titles. Buyers need such a support in these times and I hope the Distribution Support will soon apply to all Scandinavian titles."
Rikke Ennis, TrustNordisk CEO, made an equally positive comment: "High Five has no doubt been a key factor for sales of our Toronto line-up. We embrace this initiative and consider it a strong support for the Nordic titles to reach a global audience."
A total 34 applications were submitted and 32 were successful in their request. Since the number of applications was so high, the initial maximum budget of €200,000 for the scheme was increased to €298,000. The films that received the most applications are Erik Gandini's Videocracy (nine applications), Mika Kaurismäki's House of Branching Love (six), Dagur Kári's The Good Heart (four) and Ole Bornedal's Deliver Us from Evil (four). The Fund's average support is 20%. The maximum support per application of €20,000 was awarded to six distributors: Senator in Germany (Deliver Us from Evil) Kanibal Films in France (House of the Branching Love), Alta Classics in Spain (The Good Heart) Alamode Film in France (The Good Heart), MFA Distribution in Germany (Timetrip: the Curse of the Viking Witch) and IFC Films in the US (Valhalla Rising).
"I had expected around 20 applications as it takes time to communicate and ground new initiatives, however attractive they might seem," said Nordisk Film & TV Fond CEO Hanne Palmquist. "After getting 34 applications and hearing the response from both sales agents and distributors, I conclude High Five Toronto and the International Cinema Distribution Support scheme to be a firm success. As the Nordic Council of Ministers has granted Nordisk Film & TV Fond a total DKK 7 million (around €940,000) for global initiatives of various kinds over the coming three years (2010-2012), there will be other High Five initiatives to come. How and when will be decided early 2010."
For the full list of applications supported by Nordisk Film & TV Fond, see: