Villum Jensen And Kids Movies Get DFI Support

Thomas Villum Jensen's Australia set 'Ved verdens end' starring Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Sofie Gråbøl and William Hurt has been awarded DKK6.8m in production support from the Danish Film Institute. Four children and youth films (including two animation films by Anders Morgenthaler [photo] and Jørgen Lerdam) were also granted production support.

Ved verdens end, the sixth feature film by Villum Jensen will start rolling in April, with most filming set to take place in Australia. The comedy drama scripted by Anders Thomas Jensen tells the story of criminal psychologist Adrian, who is sent to Indonesia to examine the mental state of Severin Gertsen, a Dane who claims to be 129 years-old thanks to a carnivorous plant. Both men embark on a frantic chase through the jungle in pursuit of the precious plant, with the whole Indonesian army and a gang of local mobsters on their heels. The film is produced by Tivi Magnusson, Christian Potalivo and Johanne Stryhn Hørby for M&M Production. The DFI awarded the film DKK6.8m through its 60/40 production initiative. Delivery date is set for winter 2009.

Two other new films were supported through the 60/40 scheme. Olsen banden-på de bonede gulve (awarded DKK6.1m) is the first 3D animated version of the popular family franchise The Olsen Gang. Jørgen Lerdam (Amazon Jack 3 - Jungo Goes Bananas) is directing for Tomas Radoor and Thomas Heinesen (Nordisk Film). The film will be ready in October 2009.

Anja & Viktor-i medgang og modgang  (awarded DKK4.8m) will be the fifth film part of the successful Anja & Viktor series. Søren Frellesen who has scripted all films will for the first time direct as well, starting in March. Delivery date is set for September 12, 2008. The film is produced by Regner Grasten.

Established Danish filmmaker, Anders Morgenthaler will supervise the theatrical version of a compilation of six animation and puppet films for children. Min1Film (working title) which was awarded DKK3m through the DFI consultant scheme, is produced by Sarita Chrsitensen for Copenhagen Bombay. Delivery date is set for this summer.

The experienced editor Morten Giese (collaborator on several Per Fly movies) will make his directorial debut with Daniel, co-scripted with Kim Leona and Lars K. Andersen. The film about the first heartbreak for Daniel, a shy but talented pianist in a music academy, is produced by Mikael Olsen for Zentropa. The Danish premiere is set for February 2009. The film was awarded DKK5.9m through the production consultant scheme.