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Berlin’s European Film Market wraps up Wednesday with a handful of deals and a touch of optimism over the future of the international industry.

The biggest title of the market, the Lena Dunham-directed rom-com Good Sex, set to star Natalie Portman, kicked off a studio bidding war, with Amazon, Warner Bros., Netflix and Apple all vying for the project, which sees Portman play a 40-year-old relationship therapist who finds herself back on the market after the exit of her long-term partner. Worldwide offers are reportedly in the $45 million-plus range, but there’s no news yet of a final deal.

Most of the deals reported were smaller domestic pickups of international art house features, with Sony Pictures Classics taking North American and Latin American rights to Rebecca Zlotowski’s French-language murder mystery Vie Privée, starring Jodie Foster as a psychiatrist investigating a patient’s death. Goodfellas has also sold the project across Europe,...

Norwegian monster pic “Kraken,” directed by Pål Øie, has inked a trio of European distribution deals ahead of its 2025 release. The film, inspired by the legendary deep-sea creature, has been picked up by Splendid Film for Germany, Mediawan Rights for France and Youplanet for Spain. These acquisitions follow earlier sales to North America (Samuel Goldwyn Films) and Latin America (Gussi).

“Kraken” follows marine biologist Johanne as she investigates strange occurrences linked to a local fjord. As deadly events unfold, she uncovers a terrifying myth lurking beneath the water’s surface — a giant, multi-armed monster capable of destroying everything in its path.

The film stars Sara Khorami, best known for her role in the Norwegian dramedy “Nothing to Laugh About” (2022), Mikkel Bratt Silset (“Shadow of Victory”), Ingvild Holthe Bygdnes (“The Tunnel” 2019), Steinar Klouman Hallert (“Sick of Myself”) and young actor Jenny Evensen.

John Einar Hagen and Einar Loftesnes of Nordisk Film Production,...

TrustNordisk’s forthcoming creature feature Kraken, based on the legendary sea monster from Nordic folklore, has inked a pair of pillar distribution deals on the first day of Berlin’s European Film Market. The Norwegian-language action feature has been acquired by Samuel Goldwyn Films for North America and Gussi for Latin America.

Directed by Norwegian filmmaker Pål Øie, known for his action-thriller Tunnel and the horror flick Hidden, Kraken tells the story of a marine biologist who encounters several strange occurrences while researching a fjord, including the brutal deaths of two local teenagers.

“At the bottom of Norway’s deepest fjord rests a mythical monster as large as a mountain, with a myriad of arms ready to crush and devour anything they can grab,” the film’s synopsis reads.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Samuel Goldwyn and Gussi for the release of Kraken in North and Latin America,...

Finland’s Fireframe Studios has boarded upcoming Arctic thriller “The Ice.”

Developed in collaboration with Nordisk Film Production, it’s based on the successful novel by Norwegian writer John Kåre Raake, also behind movies “The Wave” and “The Quake,” and series “The Fortress.”

Filming is scheduled for next year.

The story plays out at one of Earth’s most inhospitable places, the North Pole, with the team teasing “The Ice” as a “highlight for thrill-seeking audience, combining high concept with tense political conflicts.” As well as “ice-cold thrills and warm human drama.”

“It’s an ideal co-production for Fireframe. Much of the film relies on virtual production, which is our specialty,” said Mikko Kodisoja, Fireframe’s founder and CEO. Kodisoja is one of the founders of Finnish mobile game development company Supercell.

“By getting involved from the get-go, we leverage real-time technologies to explore creative possibilities and to problem-solve at speed,...

The legend of the Kraken comes to the screen in the upcoming Norwegian monster movie Kraken, and THR shares early sales art (up above) and the first information this week.

Pål Øie (The Tunnel) will direct Kraken, which is planning a 2025 theatrical release.

The Hollywood Reporter details, “There’s no word on casting, but the thriller will follow Johanne, a marine biologist who encounters several strange occurrences while researching a fjord, including the brutal deaths of two local teenagers.”

“At the bottom of Norway’s deepest fjord rests a mythical monster as large as a mountain, with a myriad of arms ready to crush and devour anything they can grab.”

THR notes, “In Norway and Iceland, legend has it that the Kraken, a giant sea monster similar to a squid or octopus, is lurking in local seas, only to occasionally rise and go on a rampage.”

Vilde Eide wrote the...

Mentioning this because we haven't spoken about this movie up until now. Pal Oie, director of the 2019 disaster action movie The Tunnel, is heading back to the director's chair this year with a monster movie, Kraken. Kraken will follow a marine biologist who discovers the eponymous mythical monster while doing research near Norway’s deepest fjord. Yes, despite how many times you or I have yelled out in our lives, 'Release the Kraken!!!", in our best Liam Neeson Greek, the mythical creature's origin is truly Norwegian. I was today years old when I found that out. We should have been saying, "Slipp Kraken fri!", all along. ScreenDaily reported last night/this morning that Danish sales outfit TrustNordisk have joined on board to handle...

[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...

Pal Oie is reuniting with the producers of his 2019 action thriller The Tunnel to direct the new Norwegian monster movie Kraken.

TrustNordisk is handling international sales for the thriller, starting at the European Film Market (EFM) at the Berlin Film Festival.

Kraken, now in development and targeting a late 2025 theatrical release, will be based on the tale of the legendary monster from the deep returning and set to wreak havoc.

There’s no word on casting, but the thriller will follow Johanne, a marine biologist who encounters several strange occurrences while researching a fjord, including the brutal deaths of two local teenagers. “At the bottom of Norway’s deepest fjord rests a mythical monster as large as a mountain, with a myriad of arms ready to crush and devour anything they can grab,” the film’s synopsis reads.

In Norway and Iceland, legend has it that the Kraken, a giant...

TrustNordisk has acquired international sales rights on Pal Oie’s upcoming monster movie Kraken.

The film is currently in pre-production, with a €5.3m (£4.5m) budget; and a 2025 theatrical release pencilled in for Norway.

Kraken will follow a marine biologist who discovers the eponymous mythical monster while doing research near Norway’s deepest fjord.

Oie will reunite with Nordisk Film Production’s John Einar Hagen and Einar Loftesnes on the film, after the duo produced Oie’s 2019 action thriller The Tunnel. Vilde Eide has written the script; it is produced in collaboration with Handmade Films in Norwegian Woods, who make genre titles based on Norwegian folklore.

Previous projects include Cannes Critics’ Week winner ‘Tiger Stripes’.

South Korea’s Bucheon International Film Festival (Bifan), Asia’s largest genre film festival, has revealed 29 titles from 18 countries for this year’s Network of Asian Fantastic Films (Naff) project market.

The 17 titles selected for the It Project strand include Biraa from Taiwanese writer/director Bhaskar Hazarika, whose transgressive love story Ravening played Tribeca in 2019.

Scroll down for full list

Naff received 279 submissions from 40 countries, up nearly 30% from 217 projects in 2022. One-to-one meetings will take place with producers, investors, and distributors from June 30 to July 3.

This year, Naff will expand its support...

New feature from ‘The Tunnel’ director Pål Øie amont titles picked up as new label launches.

Copenhagen-based REinvent Studios has launched new division REinvent Chills, which will handle production and international sales on genre features.

The new unit will focus on horror, thriller and subgenres such as psychological thriller and mystery horror.

The label launches with four pick-ups including Alex Herron’s Leave, Pål Øie’s Spirit Of Fear, Peter Ahlén’s Watching and Henrik M. Dahlsbakken’s Possession. All four films will be distributed by Sf Studios in the Nordics.

Leave will mark the feature directorial debut of Herron...

REinvent Studios, the Scandinavian sales company tied up with local major Sf Studios, is getting into the genre film world via REinvent Chills, a new wing of the company that will focus on handling rights for horrors, thrillers and similar subgenres.

The company is launching the new arm with four initial pickups:

Leave comes from the team behind Dead Snow and is produced by Savid Sppilde, who produced Netflix’s Lilyhammer. Alex Herron will direct from a screenplay by Thomas Moldestad. Charlotte Hope will star in the lead role. Film follows a young woman who is haunted by a malevolent spirit. Shoot is scheduled for fall 2022.

Watching is directed by Peter Ahlénm, who is currently co-helming the TV series Trom, which is produced by REinvent. Pic is a psychological horror about a traumatized lifeguard who returns to work after a tragic drowning accident. Shoot is penned in for fall 2022.

Pål Øie...

Norwegians are great at a great many things. One of those things that we are most thankful for are disaster films. It's probably a ploy to keep the rest of us away and learning about their high standard of living and the rugged, natural beauty of their country. We see through this facade, Norway!   Samuel Goldwyn Films is releasing The Tunnel the latest dose of disaster cinema from director Pål Øie tomorrow, Friday, April 9th. The Tunnel will be in cinemas where allowed and on VOD. We have an exclusive clip to share with your today, check it out below.    In the clip Elise is trapped in the titular tunnel and escapes into some kind of side room with other survivors. They're safe...

[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...

Tagline: "Two Ways In - No Way Out." The Tunnel is a film from Norway. From Norwegian director Pål Øie (Villmark 2), this latest release focuses on an obstructed tunnel, in which a tanker trunk has been damaged. Now, everyone inside this cavern are forced to find a way out as time runs out. As well, The Tunnel stars: Thorbjørn Harr ("Vikings"), Ylva Lyng Fuglerud and Lisa Carlehed. The film's U.S. trailer and poster are here. A father is in search of his daughter, in this official trailer. Determined to find her, he will risk smoke and fire as oxygen wears out in this brutal traffic accident. As survivors dwindle, these first responders will have to risk everything to save others. Samuel Goldwyn Films will release The Tunnel this April. To show in some theatres and on Digital, The Tunnel brings a catastrophe to the screen April 9th. For fans of disaster titles,...

Though it will forever be associated with one brief mid-1970s heyday, the disaster-movie genre has made a stealth comeback in recent years, being a natural fit for a cinematic era dominated by CGI-laden action fantasies. Of course Hollywood has kept its hand in, with efforts like “San Andreas” and “Pompeii.” But there have also been parries as far afield as China, whose enjoyably ridiculous, volcano-centric “Skyfire” from late 2019 only reached the U.S. this year.

No country has been as assiduous in reviving that Charlton Heston spirit, however, as Norway — which has produced just three so far, but then that’s a not-inconsiderable share of its big-budget feature output in recent years. First there was the rockslide/avalanche/tsunami/flood whammy of 2015’s “The Wave,” then its self-explanatory 2018 sequel “The Quake.” Now there’s “The Tunnel,” unrelated to the aforementioned save that it obviously wouldn’t have been made...

"It's your own responsibility to get out." Samuel Goldwyn Films has debuted the official US trailer for the Norwegian disaster movie called The Tunnel, from Norwegian filmmaker Pål Øie. Not to be confused with the Norwegian sci-fi short film also called The Tunnel, this one is a real-life thriller similar to the 90s action blockbuster Daylight. When a tanker truck crashes inside a tunnel, people on their way home for Christmas are brutally trapped in a deadly fire. With a blizzard raging outside, and the first responders struggling to get to the accident, it's every man for himself. Will the help get there in time? Starring Thorbjørn Harr, Ylva Lyng Fuglerud, Lisa Carlehed, Mikkel Bratt Silset, Peter Førde, Daniel Alexander Skadal, and Per Egil Aske. This orignially opened in theaters in Norway in 2019, and is just now finally getting a VOD release in the US starting this April. Might be...

"You are saying Elise is in the tunnel?" Signature Ent. has released an official UK trailer for the Norwegian action survival thriller called The Tunnel, originally titled Tunnelen in Norwegian. The Norwegian movie industry seems to be going through every 90s disaster movie trope - now they're remaking Daylight. When a truck crashes inside a tunnel, people on their way home for Christmas are brutally trapped in a deadly fire. With a blizzard raging outside, and the first responders struggling to get to the accident, it's every man for himself. Starring Thorbjørn Harr, Ylva Lyng Fuglerud, Lisa Carlehed, Mikkel Bratt Silset, Peter Førde, Daniel Alexander Skadal, and Per Egil Aske. This actually looks legit - at least the opening act. As for the rest of what happens once they're stuck, you'll have to watch to find out who makes it out safely. Here's the new UK trailer (+ original Norwegian poster...

The 25th New Nordic Films, unspooling Aug. 20-23 parallel to the Norwegian International Film Festival in Haugesund, will kick off with the critically-lauded “A White, White Day” by Hlynur Pálmason. The Icelandic drama which world premiered at Cannes’ Critics’ Week, is among 19 films set to screen, of which 13 are world market premieres such as Jesper W. Nielsen’s thriller “The Exception,” Venice Critics Week’s pick “Psychosia,”, Venice Days’ entry “Beware of Children”, Jens Jonsson’s “The Spy” and Jesper Ganslandt’s “438 Days”.

The hot Works in Progress session has 20 titles to be pitched to more than 300 attendees. Gauging this year’s crop, New Nordic Films’ managing director Gyda Velvin Myklebust underlines the large number of local films, genre-driven and reality-based stories, as well as the healthy gender balance -half the films are female directed. “There are many new female talents to watch out for,” says Myklebust, citing the...

We’ve been buzzing for months about exciting things brewing at Dread Central Presents; in addition to a bunch of great films coming down the pike, our first release recently became available on Amazon Prime. Villmark Asylum, the third film directed by Pål Øie, takes place in an abandoned sanitarium where a clean-up crew encounters dark forces […]

The post 12 Amazing Scandinavian Horror Movies Guaranteed to Chill Your Bones appeared first on Dread Central.

Today marks a very exciting day for us here at Dread Central as Pål Øie’s Villmark Asylum has hit Amazon Prime! This marks the first official release of a Dread Central Presents title and we can’t wait to hear what you all think! If you’ve got Amazon Prime, you can watch the film for free […]

The post Dread Central Presents’ Villmark Asylum is on Amazon Prime! appeared first on Dread Central.

Director: Pål Øie. Writers: Kjersti Helen Rasmussen and Pål Øie. Cast: Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Baard Owe, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen and Ellen Dorrit Petersen. Norway continues to develop a frightening horror scene. From the Fritt Vilt slasher series to Død snø (2009), this cold country has lots of scary tales to tell. The latest is titled Villmark 2. Shot twelve years after the first film, this time a crew of workers are tasked with identifying toxic materials in an ancient asylum. Very reminiscent of Session 9 (2001) and definitely an homage, Villmark 2 is very slow in its build up of tension. However, into the third act, events take a brutal turn as the film's World War II mythology comes to the forefront. Sound design and production values are high. But, Villmark 2 fails to find its own original story and direction, which makes a viewing of this film very predictable and slightly unexciting.

Norwegian director Pål Øie returns to screens with Villmark Asylum, a sort of thematic sequel to his 2003 effort, Villmark. An abandoned sanatorium is deteriorating in a remote forest in the mountains. The building is going to be demolished, and five contractors have taken on the task of inspecting the enormous building for hazardous materials. While attempting to shut off the water, they are led into a dark basement labyrinth. They soon find themselves face to face with the sanatoriums gruesome past. You can demolish a building, but never remove the past.Playing with the conventions of the classic 'cabin in the woods' setup, we've been keeping an eye on this one for a while and the new international trailer demonstrates why. Øie clearly knows the...

[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...

Pernilla August’s new adaption of A Serious Game, scriped by Lone Scherfig, is among the 11 works-in-progress set to be introduced at Haugesund’s New Nordic Films

Swedish actress-turned-writer/director Pernilla August, whose latest film Beyond (Svinalängorna, 2010) garnered her three Guldbaggar – Sweden’s national film award – and the Nordic Council Film Prize, will introduce her new feature A Serious Game (Den allvarsamma leken) in New Nordic Films at the Norwegian International Film Festival (Aug 15-21) in Haugesund.

Norwegian director Anja Breien’s 1977 adaptation of Swedish author Hjalmar Söderberg’s 1912 novel is also screening in the festival programme.

Danish writer-director Lone Scherfig has scripted the new version of the passionate love between Arvid and Lydia (Sverrir Gudnason, Karin Franz Körlof), which Patrik Andersson, Frida Barzgo and Fredrik Heinig are producing for A B-Reel Production.

A Serious Game is one of 11 new Nordic productions, which will be presented tomorrow and Thursday (Aug 19-20) at Haugesund’s Scandic Maritim: six from...

Pål Øie first broke out into North American circuits with his 2003 horror Villmark, or Dark Woods, and with only the 2009 Hidden in between, we’ve waited 12 years for a sequel. Villmark 2 stars Ellen Dorrit Peterson in this sinister and stylish looking horror film, for which the first trailer and plot synopsis can be seen below.

An old sanatorium is deteriorating in an isolated forest in the mountains. The elderly janitor is still living there to ensure that no one access the dangerous building. Five contract workers have taken on the task of tracking the huge building for hazardous waste before it’s demolished. Over 300 rooms and kilometres of pipelines have to be screened in three days. They realize that the job is more than a search for asbestos and mercury when they encounter the building’s frightening past. Water is gushing from the old pipes, and brings the work to a halt.

Norway continues to churn out quality horror films. From Cold Prey (2006) to Dead Snow (2009), Norway knows how to use its wild, snowy settings to create a chilling atmosphere. The latest to come from this Scandinavian country is titled Villmark 2, or Wilderness 2, or Dark Woods 2. This feature follows the original 2003 film and near the same setting. This time several contract workers must clear an ancient sanatorium, but something malicious lingers nearby. The film stars Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Ellen Dorrit Petersen, Baard Owe and Mads Sjøgård Pettersen. As well, the film has been directed by Pål Øie (Hidden). The first trailer for Villmark 2 is hosted here. From the longer synopsis, a sanatorium lies deep in an isolated forest. Here, a janitor manages the building, with five more contract workers set to remove hazardous material, including asbestos. Over a 100 rooms have to be cleaned. However, something or someone lays in wait within this ancient abode.

Norway's Pål Øie made huge waves with his 2003 horror effort Villmark (Dark Woods) but despite a significant box office success Øie has helmed only one feature since - 2009 effort Hidden - and now returns with a sequel to his early success.An old sanatorium is deteriorating in an isolated forest in the mountains. The elderly janitor is still living there to ensure that no one access the dangerous building. Five contract workers have taken on the task of tracking the huge building for hazardous waste before it's demolished. Over 300 rooms and kilometres of pipelines have to be screened in three days. They realize that the job is more than a search for asbestos and mercury when they encounter the building's frightening past. Water...

[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...

Hidden

DVD

Director: Pål Øie

Starring: Arthur Berning, Knut Morten Brekke, Gabriel August Gjønnes, Agnes Karin Haaskjold, Andreas Haugsbø

Lionsgate Home Entertainment

Release Date: March 23, 2010

For four straight years now, After Dark Horrorfest: 8 Films to Die For has been unleashed. Eight original horror films to quench your thirst for blood and gore and screams galore. Last year I was able to check out and review their third collection of horrors (Read: DVD Review: After Dark Horrorfest III: 8 Films To Die For), and was rather excited to check out their new slate this year! Instead of cramming every review into one mammoth review, this year we'll take it one flick at a time, with this little opener stuck at the top of each one.

With each Horrorfest (the last two anyway), there's a foreign horror title included. This year, the movie came from Norway and is called Hidden (Skjult). While there...

The new latest trailer for the 2010 After Dark Horrorfest's Norwegian entry, Pål Øie's Hidden (or Skjult), was released today; and we have it for your perusal.

After Dark Films is bringing the film to the States January 29, 2010, for their fourth annual Horrorfest.

Synopsis

Kai Koss, upon the death of his cruel mother, unwillingly returns to the small town he ran away from 19 years ago. He is left in charge of the family home and the dark secrets that come with it. Kai soon finds himself tangled up in a series of murderous events that are beyond anyone’s control and his troubles begin to overwhelm him. He has spent the past two decades trying to forget a tortured past only to find that there are some things you just can't run from.

Dig on the trailer below courtesy of Bloody Disgusting.

- Uncle Creepy

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Playing in this month's 4th annual After Dark Horrorfest is Pål Øie's Hidden, which tells the story of Kai Koss, who upon the death of his cruel mother, unwillingly returns to the small town he ran away from 19 years ago. He is left in charge of the family home and the dark secrets that come with it. Kai soon finds himself tangled up in a series of murderous events that are beyond anyones control and his troubles begin to overwhelm him. He has spent the past two decades trying to forget a tortured past only to find that there are some things that you just cant run from.

The new American poster for the 2010 After Dark Horrorfest's Norwegian entry, Pål Øie's Hidden (or Skjult), was released today; and we have it for your perusal.

After Dark Films is bringing the film to the States January 29, 2010, for their fourth annual Horrorfest.

Synopsis

Kai Koss, upon the death of his cruel mother, unwillingly returns to the small town he ran away from 19 years ago. He is left in charge of the family home and the dark secrets that come with it. Kai soon finds himself tangled up in a series of murderous events that are beyond anyone’s control and his troubles begin to overwhelm him. He has spent the past two decades trying to forget a tortured past only to find that there are some things you just can't run from.

- Uncle Creepy

Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!

Got news? Click here to submit it!

Stay hidden in the Dread Central forums!

Skjult aka Hidden is another horror movie selected for the 8 Films to Die For Film Festival, which kicks-off this January 29th, 2010. A Norwegian flick from Alligator Films Skjult will star Kristoffer Joner, Cecilie Mosli, Anders Danielsen Lie, Bjarte Hjelmeland and Karin Park. Darkly foreboding and full of suspense, from the first trailer, Skjult looks like a fine addition to the 2010 Horror Fest line-up. Have a look at the cast, crew, and trailer below.

A synopsis for Skjult (Hidden) here:

"Hidden is the story of Kai Koss who upon the death of his cruel mother unwillingly returns to the small town he ran away from 19 years ago. He is left in charge of the family home and the dark secrets that come with it. Kai soon finds himself tangled up in a series of murderous events that are beyond anyone’s control and his troubles begin to overwhelm him. He has...

Two new posters and stills for the 2010 After Dark Horrorfest's Norwegian entry, Pål Øie's Hidden (or Skjult), were released today; and we have them for you cold and spooky.

After Dark Films is bringing the film to the States January 29, 2010, for their fourth annual Horrorfest. Click on the poster below for the rest of the goods.

Synopsis

Kai Koss, upon the death of his cruel mother, unwillingly returns to the small town he ran away from 19 years ago. He is left in charge of the family home and the dark secrets that come with it. Kai soon finds himself tangled up in a series of murderous events that are beyond anyone’s control and his troubles begin to overwhelm him. He has spent the past two decades trying to forget a tortured past only to find that there are some things you just can't run from.

- Uncle Creepy

Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!

Carpe Noctem revealed two international teaser posters for Pål Øie's chiller Hidden (aka Skjult in Norway). They also have three, rather unexciting stills which you can find here . After Dark Films is bringing the film to the States January 29, 2010. It's part of their fourth "Eight Films to Die For" Horrorfest so you can bet money that they'll be creating their own one-sheet. Hidden tells of a haunted man who returns home and faces dark secrets. Watch a trailer here .

Thanks to the fellas at Arrow, we've now got the word on the fourth film to join After Dark's Horrorfest 2010. The Norwegian film Hidden (or, Skjult ), written and directed by Pål Øie, will join the likes of Dread , The Graves and Lake Mungo on January 29, 2010. You can watch a foreign trailer here . The synopsis Arrow received goes like this: Kai Koss who upon the death of his cruel mother unwillingly returns to the small town he ran away from 19 years ago. He is left in charge of the family home and the dark secrets that come with it. Kai soon finds himself tangled up in a series of murderous events that are beyond anyone.s control and his troubles begin to overwhelm him. He has spent the past two decades trying to forget a tortured past only to find that there are...

We first wrote about upcoming Norwegian horror flick Skjult all the way back in December and with the official release of the film just a few days away a pair of new TV spots have just turned up online.

Kai Knutsen fled through the woods, from his crazed mother 20 years ago. Now the woman he hated more than anything on earth is dead, and he has inherited the house in the forest. It has a cruel secret.

This one is notable first of all for the presence of star Kristoffer Joner, an actor who is solid in pretty much everything he does but is particularly well suited for this sort of dark, psychological fare as anyone who has seen him in Naboer (Next Door) can tell you. And beyond Joner it just looks really, really good ... director Pål Øie clearly knows his way around the genre and he’s going for it pretty hard here.