On August 21, the 19th Nordic Co-production Market in Haugesund, Norway, will spotlight four innovative U.K. genre films from noteworthy creators Zu Quirke (“Nocturne”), Corinna Faith (“The Power”), Anna Fredrikke Bjerke (a writer for Netflix’s “Midsummer Night”), and Ashley Horner. These films will be showcased to potential Nordic collaborators in a special pitching session.
This presentation is a central feature of the second U.K. Focus, organized by New Nordic Films in association with the British Film Institute (BFI). Denitsa Yordanova, the head of the UK Global Screen Fund (UKGSF), expressed anticipation for the event, highlighting its role in fostering co-production opportunities between U.K. and Nordic filmmakers.
“The Nordic region offers a dynamic talent pool and experienced co-production partners, particularly suited for genres like noir and thrillers,” Yordanova commented. The UKGSF has previously supported nine co-productions with Nordic countries, including the CPH film “Life and Other Problems,” the Cannes Un Certain Regard winner “The Settlers,” and “The End,” which will be featured at San Sebastian and Toronto festivals.
Established in 2021, the UKGSF provides non-recoupable grants of up to £300,000 ($380,100) for projects with 60% of their budget already secured, where the U.K. producer is a minority stakeholder. Kamilla Kristiane Hodøl, whose Tribeca-selected thriller “The Damned” received £250,000 ($317,500) from the fund, praised its role in bridging gaps post-Brexit.
She noted the fund’s ease of integration with other European financing and its support in maintaining the U.K. as a co-production partner. Hodøl will also share her expertise on U.K. co-productions at a panel titled “How to Co-produce with the UK” in Haugesund, invited by New Nordic Films and the Royal Norwegian Embassy.