In its October round of support Nordisk Film & TV Fond has granted NOK5.3 million in production support to the new Zentropa film Godhavn written by Søren Sveistrup (The Killing) as well as four TV dramas and three documentaries.

- Godhavn will be directed by Jesper W. Nielsen who has been attached most recently to the TV dramas Borgen, Dicte and Badehotellet. Sveistrup’s script is loosely based on the true story of the state orphanage of Godhavn where children were abused and humiliated in the 1960s. In the film two brothers sent to Godhavn have to fight to stay alive. The project produced by Sisse Graum Jørgensen and Louise Vesth for Zentropa was granted NOK1.6 million.

The four TV dramas and series supported are the following:
Norskov (10x42’): The Danish crime drama produced by Mie Andreasen for SF Film Production was granted NOK2.5 million. Dunja Gry Jensen (Terribly Happy) is head writer and Louise Friedberg (Borgen/The Legacy) concept director. The story focuses on a police officer who comes back to his hometown only to discover that criminals are deeply rooted in the local community. Filming is set to start January 2015. The series handled by DR Sales has been pre-sold to Benelux, Sweden and Norway.

Replacements (12x45’): the Finnish fantasy drama produced by Leila Lyytikäinen and Matti Halonen for Fisher King Production was granted NOK 1.4 million. The creator and main writer is Miikko Oikkonen (Nymphs). Other writers include Sanna Reinumägi, Paula Mononen, and Antti Pesonen.The hospital drama asks how far one is ready to go to save your loved one. Nelonen is co-producing as well as French group Federation Entertainment, handling world distribution.

Gigglebug (26x5’): The Finnish TV series for pre-school kids produced by Antrea Harlin was granted NOK 700.000. The series was previously supported by the Fund’s High Five Cross-Media Content for Kids. Joonas Utti is directing the animation series.

Bajsfilmen/Life as it is (7x7’): The Swedish TV series for small kids produced and directed by Linda Hambäck (L Edition Entertainment Film AB) was granted NOK400.000. The animation TV series (also available as a feature film) is freely based on the prize-winning book series by Pernilla Stalfelt. The TV-series backed by SVT will go on air in 2016.

The three documentaries backed by the Fund are:
Where Spiders Dwell: The Danish film directed and produced by Adam Schmedes was granted NOK 400,000. The film is told from the spiders’ perspective in a house. Production should start in March 2015. Earth Touch handles international distribution and Loke Film domestic distribution.

Dancing for You: The 25 minute Norwegian documentary produced by Anita Rehoff Larsen (Sant & Usant) was granted NOK 150,000. Erlend E. Mo is directing the story of a young girl involved in the traditional solo dance of Halling.

The Fencing Champion (pictured): Monica Hellström (Final Cut for Real) is producing the 25 minute Danish documentary selected for this year’s IDFA festival’s Kids & Docs. The film was granted NOK 150,000. Simon Lereng Wilmont directs the story of fencing champion Ruben who is fighting not only to win, but also to control his temper.

Furthermore, distribution and dubbing support were granted to Buena Vista/Walt Disney Nordic for the theatrical release in Sweden of Captain Sabertooth and the Lama Rama Treasure and to Isla Sales/Paradox for the theatrical release in Finland of In Order if Disappearance