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After a stellar limited opening last weekend, A24’s Friendship jumps from 6 to 60 screens in top ten markets plus Detroit, the hometown of star Tim Robinson. The comedy bromance with Robinson and Paul Rudd soared to $451k on screens in New York and L.A., the top limited opening of 2025, with a per screen average of over $75k. Written and directed by Andrew DeYoung. With Kate Mara, Jack Dylan Grazer. Robinson, the former SNL performer and writer is the face of his popular Netflix sketch comedy I Think You Should Leave.

Magnolia Pictures/Magnet Releasing opens Sister Midnight, the debut feature of London-based Indian artist and writer-director Karan Kandhari starring Radhika Apte, Ashok Pathak, Chhaya Kadam and Smita Tambe, at the Angelika Film Center in NYC. A rebellious small-town misfit Uma (acclaimed Indian actress Apte) arrives in Mumbai to find herself totally unsuited to life as a housewife.

Based on Tine Høeg’s novel, Netflix’s “A Copenhagen Love Story” (Sult) is a nuanced exploration of an unstoppable romance meeting an immovable parenthood challenge. Written and directed by Ditte Hansen and Louise Mieritz, the film starts with the pithy sensuality and raw energy of a rom-com before the proverbial rugs get pulled out from under the feet of our loving protagonists. It becomes a visceral study of how life can be the cruel, barren desert that love needs to overcome to survive.

A Copenhagen Love Story Movie Synopsis and Plot Summary:

Mia (Rosalinde Mynster) is a successful writer who leads a carefree life, stumbling between one casual relationship after another. As she is approaching the dreaded thirty-year age mark, her friends and family encourage her to embark on a stable relationship with a mature guy. In a bid to do the same, Mia’s friend Gro (Sara Fanta Traore...

“A Copenhagen Love Story” is a Netflix romantic movie starring Rosalinde Mynster and Joachim Fjelstrup. It is based on the novel by Tine Høeg.

“A Copenhagen Love Story” is a moving exploration of the complexities of modern love and fertility challenges. Based on Tine Høeg’s novel, the series follows the story of Emil, a single father, and Mia, a writer, as they navigate the turbulent waters of building a life together while trying to have a child.

“A Copenhagen Love Story” takes us into a realistic yet intimate cinematic composition. The film attempts to sidestep cinematic stylizations to delve into the couple’s psychology, placing the narrative emphasis on the script rather than aesthetic aspects: a realistic approach that puts characters above aesthetics.

Directed by the creative trio of Ditte Hansen, Louise Mieritz, and Jenny Mattesen, the film addresses the dynamics of blended families and the obstacles couples face...

Netflix has unveiled three new Nordic originals as part of its 2025 slate, including the Swedish crime series “Synden,” the Danish fertility dramedy “Sult,” and season 3 of Norwegian romantic comedy series “Home for Christmas,” confirming its ambition to keep investing in Scandinavian content.

The Nordic market has gone through a rough patch in the last few years after the fallout of negotiations between the Danish producers guild and streamers; and the major restructuring at Viaplay which has put the brakes on local originals and is now partly owned by France’s Canal+.

All three Nordic originals greenlighted by Netflix are backed by renowned creatives and producers.

“Synden” is written and directed by Peter Grönlund whose credits include “Goliat” and “Beartown.” The series follows the perpetually angry, odd but highly intelligent investigator Dani (Krista Kosonen) who is teamed up with newly graduated police colleague Malik (Mohammed Nour Oklah) to investigate the murder...

Netflix is going deeper into the Nordics with the launch of a trio of originals — including the return of romantic drama series Home For Christmas.

The streamer unveiled the titles at the opening of a new office in Stockholm. Netflix has had a base in the Swedish capital since 2021, but is moving into a new space this week.

Marking the move are Swedish drama Synden, Danish feature film Sult and Home For Christmas, which will return more than three years after season two dropped. All three will launch in 2025.

Home For Christmas Season 3 will see Ida Elise Broch returning to star as Johanne, who is now 35 and now single after a recent break up. While helping her siblings, taking care of her lonely father and landing a leadership role at work, she throws herself back into the dating scene but realises it is not what it used to be.

Writers are Siri Seljeseth,...

Constantin Film has released the first images from Hagen, its hotly-anticipated new fantasy drama, which is looking to tap into the global Game of Thrones and Vikings fan base with a swords-and-magic tale inspired by the Teutonic Nibelungen saga.

Fremantle has picked up worldwide distribution rights outside German-speaking territories to the series from Constantin. Fremantle parent Rtl Group holds German streaming and free TV rights.

The series is based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s Hagen von Tronje, a reimagining of the Niebelungen saga, the medieval German folk tale considered the inspiration for such modern-day fantasy epics as J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of The Rings.

Hagen follows the story of the soldier Hagen, the legendary dragon slayer Siegfried, the princess warrior Kriemhild, and the magical Valkyrie queen Brunhild in a tale of love, family, power and war that ends —this is a Germanic tale after all — catastrophically.

Gijs Naber (The Story of My Wife...

Fremantle has acquired worldwide rights, excluding German-speaking territories, to Constantin Film’s fantasy drama Hagen (working title) that is being made as both a feature and a six-part TV series.

The Rtl group, also Fremantle’s parent company, holds German streaming and free TV rights.

Hagen is based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s novel Hagen von Tronje and is styled as a reimagining of the medieval Nibelungen folk saga. The story is widely considered to be one of the inspirations behind J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord Of The Rings.

The epic adventure centres on the titular soldier and commander...

Fremantle has acquired worldwide rights excluding German-speaking territories to Constantin Film’s fantasy drama Hagen (working title) and released first-look images.

The deal will see Fremantle produce a feature film and a television series of six one-hour episodes. Rtl group holds German streaming and free TV rights.

Fremantle will showcase Hagen as one of its key scripted drama titles at Fremantle Presents on Friday (March 1) as part of London TV Screenings 2024.

Hagen is based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s novel Hagen von Tronje and is styled as a reimagining of the medieval Nibelungen folk saga. The story is widely considered...

Here’s a first look at Hagen (working title), the German-Czech fantasy drama epic, which now counts Fremantle as its worldwide distributor.

Based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s bestselling novel ‘Hagen von Tronje’, the series is a reimagining of the medieval Nibelungen folk saga, which is widely considered as an inspiration behind modern fantasy franchises such as George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of The Rings.

Super-indie Fremantle has jumped to acquire rights outside of German-speaking territories, with the agreement covering the six-part series and accompanying feature film. Fremantle’s stablemate at German conglomerate Bertelsmann, Rtl, has German streaming and TV rights.

Fremantle plans to launch the series at its Fremantle Presents showcase this Friday (March 1) at the London TV Screenings. This follows an agreement between Rebecca Dundon on behalf of Fremantle and Friedrich Radmann on behalf of Constantin Film.

The series is billed...

Fremantle revealed Wednesday that it has secured worldwide distribution rights, outside of German-speaking territories, to the premium fantasy drama “Hagen” — a working title — from Constantin Film. The deal includes rights to a six-part series and a feature film for theatrical release. Rtl Group holds German streaming and free TV rights.

Fremantle will be showcasing “Hagen” as one of its key scripted drama titles at Fremantle Presents this Friday as part of London TV Screenings.

“Hagen,” which is based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s bestselling novel “Hagen von Tronje,” is a reimagining of the medieval “Nibelungen” folk saga. The story is considered to be one of the inspirations behind modern fantasies such as “Game of Thrones” and J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.”

The show centers on dutiful soldier Hagen and Siegfried, the legendary dragon slayer. Hagen, bound by loyalty to the kingdom, is Lord Commander, ready to serve and stand by his king.

Stephen Graham To Star In ITV Neo-Nazi Drama ‘The Walk-In’

ITV’s has ordered a five-part drama, The Walk-In, a true story of how a Neo-Nazi plan to kill an MP was foiled by an inside man. Stephen Graham will star in the ITV Studios series from writer Jeff Pope as activist Matthew Collins, a reformed Neo-Nazi, now working as a bona fide journalist for the anti-racist organisation Hope Not Hate. Bafta-award winning director Paul Andrew Williams directs the series, reuniting him with Pope — the pair has worked together previously on A Confession and Isolation Stories. They are both executive producers alongside Graham and another regular collaborator, Tom Dunbar. Jo Johnson is producing. Filming for The Walk-In tookin London and surrounding areas and the drama will air on ITV on Monday October 3 for five consecutive weeks. ITV Studios has International distribution.

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Constantin Film has unveiled the main cast for Hagen, its ambitious new fantasy series, billed as a reinterpretation of the Nibelungenlied, the German folk saga often cited as an inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.

Dutch actor Gijs Naber (Blackbook, The Story of My Wife) will star as the titular Hagen von Tronje in the project, alongside Jannis Niewöhner (Berlin Station, Amazon’s Beat) as his antagonist, the nearly-invincible hero Siegfried. Lilja van der Zwaag will play princess Kriemhild, Rosalinde Mynster the Valkyrie Brunhild, while Dominic Marcus Singer will take on the role of King Gunter.

Dark actress Jördis Triebel and Jörg Hartmann (The Weissensee Saga) have supporting roles.

The Nibelungen saga has been adapted many times before, most famously in a series of two classic films from Fritz Lang in the 1920s. A TV movie version, in 2004, starred Kristanna Loken Brunhild,...

Oscar and double Palme d’Or winning director Bille August is attending the Göteborg Film Festival for a Director’s Talk and the gala screening of his psycho-drama “The Pact”.

He will also pitch at the adjoining Nordic Film Market (Feb. 3-6), the work in progress of his upcoming Danish pic “The Kiss”.

August spoke exclusively to Variety about “The Kiss,” his enduring interest in the complexity of human beings, book-to-screen adaptations and his belief in the big screen experience.

Loosely based on Stefan Zweig’s novel “Beware of Pity and transposed from an Austrian to a Danish setting, “The Kiss” is a romantic drama set in 1913. The helmer has reunited with “A Fortunate Man”’s lead Espen Smed, cast as cavalry officer trainee Anton. Introduced to Baron von Løvenskjold’s daughter Edith, a wheelchair user following an accident, Anton is attracted to her, but unsure if his feelings are of pity or true love.

The trailer-blazing hair curlers invention from Denmark that took over the world in the swinging 60s is the topic of the new event Danish TV show “Carmen Curlers”, just picked up by Dr Sales for global distribution. The distribution arm of Danish public broadcaster Dr is launching the eight-part period drama at Mipcom in Cannes.

The next event TV show from Dr Drama behind the cult titles “The Killing,” “Borgen” and more recently “Cry Wolf,” is currently filming at Dr’s own studios and in the Copenhagen area.

The strong creative team takes in writer-creator Mette Heeno (“Snow Angels”), concept director Natasha Arthy (“The Rain”) and episodic director Christian Tafdrup (“A Horrible Woman”), working alongside producer Stinna Lassen (“When the Dust Settles”).

A-list Danish actors enrolled in the multi-season period drama include Lars Ranthe, Morten Hee Andersen, Maria Rossing (“Snow Angels”), Signe Egholm and Rosalinde Mynster (“Darkness – Those Who Kill...

Picture Tree International has acquired international rights to Danish director Lisa Jespersen’s feature debut, the comedy drama “Persona Non Grata” (Hvor Kragerne Vender), and will introduce the film to buyers at the upcoming Nordic Film Market, after its launch in Nordic Competition during the online edition of Goteborg Film Festival this week. Variety has been given exclusive access to the trailer.

The film follows Laura who has distanced herself from her family in the countryside, and moved to Copenhagen to live the bohemian lifestyle as a writer. When she is forced to return home to attend her brother’s wedding, she discovers that he’s about to marry her worst childhood enemy Catrine. Laura realizes that Catrine has taken over her place in the family and is now ready to do anything to get it back.

Jespersen studied film directing at the National Film School of Denmark, and has...

Since “Sons of Denmark’s” world bow at Rotterdam in 2019, Danish writer/director Ulaa Salim and producer Daniel Mühlendorph have enjoyed invites to 50 world festivals, and won nine awards – including best director at Seattle – and distribution in eight territories, negotiated by New Europe Film Sales. Those take in China (Huanxi Films), the U.K./Ireland (Eureka), Benelux (Windmill), Germany (Koch Media), Filmin (Spain), Programestore (France), Windmill (Benelux), Ale Kino (Poland) and Arthouse Traffic (Ukraine).

The partners in the fledging Danish outfit Hyæne Film are at Göteborg’s Nordic Film Market with two titles from recent Danish Film School graduates: Lisa Jespersen’s “Persona non Grata” (“Hvor kragerne vender”) pitched at the work in progress session, and Christian Bengtson’s “Chrysanthemum,” showcased within the Discovery section.

For her debut feature, Jespersen has attracted heavyweight DoP and Lars von Trier’s regular cinematographer Manuel Alberto Claro (“Melancholia”), and an ensemble cast of...

The Wagner/Cuban Company's Magnolia Pictures and Madman announced today they have respectively pre-bought North American and Australia/New Zealand rights to two high profile films from TrustNordisk and Zentropa Entertainment: the just announced and hugely anticipated Lars von Trier and Martin Scorsese collaboration, The Five Obstructions: Scorsese Vs. Trier, and the sweeping historical drama, A Royal Affair.

Martin Scorsese subjecting himself to Lars von Trier's challenge was one of the biggest announcements out of Cannes this year. The Five Obstructions: Scorsese Vs. Trier follows in the footsteps of The Five Obstructions, Lars von Trier's landmark 2003 documentary collaboration with J&#248rgen Leth, wherein Lars von Trier challenged J&#248rgen Leth to remake his 1967 short film The Perfect Human five times, with an increasingly difficult set of strict rules, or obstructions, that he had to follow. Slated to be finished in 2013, The Five Obstructions: Scorsese Vs. Trier is a...

Mikael Persbrandt, Trine Dyrholm in Susanne Bier's In a Better World Best Danish Film In a Better World (Susanne Bier) Clown (Mikkel Nørgaard) R (Michael Noer & Tobias Lindholm) Truth About Men (Nikolaj Arcel) Submarino (Thomas Vinterberg) Best Actress Julie Brochorst Andersen (Hold Me Tight) Trine Dyrholm (In a Better World) Ellen Hillingsø (Eksperimentet) Bodil Jørgensen (Nothing's All Bad) Mille Hoffmeyer Lehfeldt (Nothing's All Bad) Best Actor Pilou Asbæk (R ) Jakob Cedergren (Submarino) David Dencik (Brotherhood) Mikael Persbrandt (In a Better World) Peter Plauborg (Submarino) Best Supporting Actress Marijana Jankovic (Everything Will be Fine) Laura Skaarup Jensen (Eksperimentet) Rosalinde Mynster (Truth About Men) Patricia Schumann (Submarino) Paprika Steen (Everything Will be Fine) Best Supporting Actor Kim Bodnia (In a Better World) Morten Holst (Brotherhood) Gustav Fischer Kjærulff (Submarino) Roland Møller (R ) Kurt Ravn (Nothing's All Bad) Best American Film A Single Man (Tom Ford) Inception (Christopher Nolan) Somewhere (Sofia Coppola...