Unveiled yesterday to TV Drama Vision delegates in Göteborg, the 6x60’ series was co-created by established directors Sara Johnsen (Framing Mom, All That Matters) and Pål Sletaune (Junk Mail, Babycall) who wrote it together with Kjersti W. Håland (Debut) and Gjyljeta Berisha (Occupied). Sletaune also directs, for producer Elisabeth Tangen (Eyewitness).

In the starring roles are Alexandra Gjerpen (Young and Promising), Øyvind Brandtzæg (Lauget), Helga Guren (An Affair), Marius Lien (The 12th Man) and Ane Skumsvoll (Aber Bergen).

Although featuring fictional characters, the series is based on meticulous research. that follows the everyday people who immediately reacted after the tragedy and dealt with its consequences, treating the injured, burying the dead, comforting the grieving and punishing the guilty. “It’s a gripping and heartfelt story about human sacrifices and admirable commitment, and about how it is possible to remain humane when faced with the ultimate in inhumanity,” stated NRK.

NRK’s Head of Drama Ivar Køhn said: “22 July was one of Norway’s darkest days; it had a massive impact on our country and the events shocked the world. But during this terrible time, we witnessed acts both large and small that help define us as individuals and as a nation.” He continues: “This is a story about those acts and about the systems that surround us and shape our daily lives. It’s not a story about a terrorist and his inhumane acts. It’s a story about the rest of us.”

Dave Clarke, DRG’s EVP of Content added: “While 22 JULY is a uniquely Norwegian story, its worldwide impact and universal themes-all sympathetically realised and beautifully filmed by a talented team-will undoubtedly resonate on the international stage.”

The series will premiere on the Norwegian pubcaster early 2020.

The tragedy of July 22, 2011 has had various screen adaptations through Erik Poppe’s Berlin 2018 competition entry U-July 22, Peter Greengrass’ Netflix film July 22 and Carl Javér’s film Reconstructing Utøya, recently awarded Best Documentary and Best Director at the Swedish Gudbagge awards.