Cannes-Viaplay Content Distribution strikes sales deals on mega Stockholm Bloodbath

The film which impressed industry delegates at the last Nordic Film Market in Göteborg when first scenes where unveiled by Håfström and producer Helena Danielsson is now closer to delivery and Viaplay which produced it and handles sales via Viaplay Content Distribution, has found independent distribution partners in selected territories.

Scanbox which has secured theatrical distribution is planning to launch the major feature January 18 in Denmark, and January 19 in Sweden and Norway.

Other rights were snapped by Splendid Film for Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland.

“We are beyond excited about the collaboration with Viaplay on Stockholm Bloodbath for theatrical distribution in Scandinavia. Mikael Håfström and Viaplay have created a unique and entertaining spectacle of a film, and we are now together giving this a full theatrical run, so everyone can experience it on the big screen, said Merete Christensen, Head of Theatrical Distribution at Scanbox Entertainment.

Vanda Rapti, Viaplay Group EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, North America & Viaplay Select added: “We are thrilled to bring on board partners of the calibre and expertise of Scanbox Entertainment and Splendid Film as we prepare for the worldwide theatrical release of Viaplay’s most ambitious feature film to date. “

Inspired by true events, the story written by Erlend Loe and Nora Landsrød dramatises the dark and complex chain of events that led to the massacre of 82 nobles and civilians in Stockholm in 1520. The film follows Anne and her foster sister Freja, who set out on a quest for revenge against the men who murdered their family at Anne's wedding. Their search leads them to Stockholm, where they become involved in a ruthless political power struggle between Sweden and Denmark, which culminates in a mass execution known in history as the Stockholm Massacre.

The A-list international cast includes Claes Bang, Emily Beecham, Sophie Cookson, Alba August, Adam Pålsson, Ulrich Thomsen, Jakob Oftebro, Wilf Scolding Thomas Chaanhing, Mikkel Boe Følsgaard and Kate Ashfield.

The film in post-production was backed by Nordisk Film & TV Fond.

Stockholm Bloodbath is among Viaplay Content Distribution’s titles to be presented to global buyers at next week’s Cannes Marché du Film, next to the Cannes Classics entry Liv Ullmann: A Road Less Travelled. The documentary about the Norwegian legendary actress, writer and director is due to world premiere in Cannes May 19.