Göteborg’s premier Nordic Movie Market, renowned for presenting last year’s Cannes standout films such as “The Girl with the Needle,” “Armand,” and “When the Light Breaks,” has unveiled its comprehensive program for 2025 exclusively to Variety. This event serves as a critical platform for showcasing cinematic talent and innovation in Nordic cinema.

From January 29-31, more than 60 finished films along with titles still in development and post-production will be presented to an audience of over 500 industry delegates hailing from 38 countries. This gathering underlines the significance of Göteborg as a bustling hub for film professionals to network and discover emerging cinematic trends and talents.

As in previous years, the event will shine a spotlight on both renowned directors and promising newcomers. This is clearly illustrated in the centerpiece lineup of 15 titles featured in the Works in Progress segment, designed to highlight upcoming projects that are generating buzz within the industry.

Five years after his acclaimed selection at Cannes with “Godland,” Icelandic filmmaker Hlynur Pálmason returns with “The Love that Stays,” a family drama that intricately weaves together vignettes of life, featuring performances from Sverrir Guðnason (“Falling,” “Borg Vs McEnroe”) and Saga Garðarsdóttir (“Balls”). This film promises to delve deep into themes of love and connection, showcasing the emotional complexities of familial relationships.

Shahrbanoo Sadat, an Afghan-born director known for her work in the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, will present “No Good Men,” her first venture into the romcom genre, set in a Kabul newsroom during 2021, before the Taliban’s resurgence. This film is poised to provide a unique perspective on love and resilience in a tumultuous environment.

Swedish director Lisa Langseth, recognized for her earlier work “Pure,” is set to return to feature filmmaking after her successful Netflix series “Love & Anarchy.” Her new film, “The Dance Club,” offers a humorous exploration of psychotherapy, featuring an ensemble cast that includes rising talents like Nils Wetterholm (“Young Royals”) and Alva Bratt (“Barracuda Queens”), alongside celebrated actress Pernilla August. This lighthearted narrative aims to balance entertainment with profound insights into mental health.

Norwegian filmmaker Maria Sødahl, who was a contender for the Berlin Golden Bear in 2020 with her drama “Hope,” is set to pitch the Danish drama “Ø” (working title). This gripping narrative follows a Danish family on vacation in Greece as they confront a significant refugee crisis, challenging their well-intentioned humanitarian values and forcing them to confront their own beliefs and actions in a moment of crisis.

Also exploring themes of family and belonging is “Home,” directed by actor-turned-director Marijana Jankovic. The film stars notable actors including Zlatko Buric (“Triangle of Sadness”), Claes Bang (“The Square”), Jesper Christensen (“Spectre”), Trine Dyrholm (“The Girl with the Needle”), and Dejan Cukic (“Snabba Money”). This project aims to provide a nuanced look at the multifaceted nature of family dynamics and the search for identity.

Among the other much-anticipated titles is the Danish-Faroese horror film “No Rest for the Wicked,” featuring “Game of Thrones” star Pilou Asbæk; the Danish-Korean drama “Hana Korea,” based on the true story of a North Korean defector, starring Kim Minha (“Pachinko”) and Kim Joo-ryoung (“Squid Game”); and the Sámi musical “Árru” by Elle Sofe Sara, as well as the disability-themed “My First Love” by Mari Storstein, produced by Thomas Robsahm, known for “The Worst Person in the World.”

“I am incredibly proud of the diverse talents, narratives, and genres being showcased in the Works in Progress section,” stated Josef Kullengård, head of the Nordic Film Market, emphasizing the extensive range of projects with strong international appeal. “This lineup reflects a trend of captivating new and established voices benefiting from the multi-financing opportunities and cultural collaborations enabled by co-productions,” he added, highlighting the growing interconnectedness of the film industry.

Kullengård also underscored the robust partnerships between Göteborg’s market and festival programmers, who play a crucial role in fostering the careers of emerging talents. Initiatives like the Nordic Film Lab Forum, the Discovery Co-Production Platform, and the Works in Progress program are pivotal in nurturing new voices all the way to the festival’s main competition.

For instance, last year’s Discovery entries “Solomamma” by Janicke Askevold, a highlight at Les Arcs, and “Weightless” by Emilie Thalund are featured in this year’s Works in Progress showcase. Additionally, five works in progress from 2024 have made it to the festival’s main Nordic film competition. These include debut features such as “Kevlar Soul” by Maria Eriksson-Hecht, “Live a Little” by Fanny Ovesen, “Orenda” by acclaimed Finnish cinematographer/director Pirjo Honkasalo (“The Three Rooms of Melancholia”), Cannes Palme d’Or contender “The Girl With the Needle” by Magnus von Horn, and Un Certain Regard opener “When the Light Breaks” by Rúnar Rúnarsson.

At the time of this announcement, six out of the 15 projects in the Works in Progress lineup had secured sales agents, indicating strong market interest and potential for these films.

Exciting Titles in Development at Nordic Film Market

As part of its ongoing commitment to support producers in today’s challenging funding landscape, Kullengård and his team will be launching innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing projects still in development. For the first time, the 14 Nordic titles featured in the Discovery Co-Production Platform will compete for a cash prize of €15,000 ($15,300), courtesy of Film Fund Scandinavia. This initiative is designed to further incentivize filmmakers and stimulate creativity across the region.

Award-winning directors such as Lone Scherfig (“An Education,” “Italian for Beginners”), Mia Tervo (“The Missile”), Suvi West (“Homecoming”), and documentary filmmaker Nagieb Khaja (“My Afghanistan, Life in the Forbidden Zone”) will present their projects alongside seasoned Swedish cinematographer Maria von Hausswolff, making her feature debut with “Siri Police.” This diverse lineup showcases the wealth of talent emerging from the Nordic region and the variety of stories waiting to be told.

“We’ve received over 100 submissions for this section,” Kullengård expressed enthusiastically, highlighting the significant collaborations between seasoned producers and first-time directors. Notable partnerships include Norway’s Synnøve Hørsdal (Maipo Film) collaborating with Eiving Landsvik (nominated for a 2023 short film), and Elisa Pirir (Stær Film) partnering with Tess Quatri. Iceland’s Heather Millard (Compass Films) is teaming up with Helga Rakel Rafnsdóttir, while Patrik Andersson and Jakob Abrahamsson (Mylla Films) are collaborating with Finland’s Elin Grönblom. These partnerships reflect a vibrant and interconnected film community.

The jury for the Film Fund Scandinavia Award includes industry experts such as Paolo Bertolin from the New Zealand International Film Festival, Katrin Mersmann of MOIN Film Fund, and Swedish writer/director Goran Kapetanović. Their expertise will be invaluable in selecting projects that resonate with audiences and demonstrate artistic merit.

Another new initiative is the Nordic Gateway, which will feature five selected international projects seeking Nordic co-financiers and/or co-producers. Notable among these is “Honor of Persia,” the solo directorial debut of Iranian-French actress Zar Amir Ebrahimi (“Holy Spider”). The jury will award the €35,000 ($35,800) Tint Post-Production Award to a project that stands out for its potential and creativity, with jurors including film consultant Claus Ladegaard, ACE Producers head Jacobine van der Vloed, and producer Maria Ekerhovd (Mer Film, Norway).

The Nordic Film Market’s other key component, the Market Screenings, will showcase 15 new Nordic films, including entries from Sundance and Rotterdam such as “Sauna” and “Orenda,” respectively. The Göteborg festival opener “Safe House” and closing film “Stranger” will also be featured. Kullengård emphasized the special presentation of Jon Asp’s “Being Bo Wideberg,” which focuses on the revered Swedish director of “Elvira Madigan,” as a highlight of the screenings.

In addition to the exciting screenings, six documentaries will compete in the festival’s main documentary competition alongside Nordic Light, featuring titles like “Mr Nobody Against Putin” and “A Few Heroes.” Furthermore, an additional nine projects from alumni of Nordic film schools will be presented in the Meet the New Nordic Voices segment, showcasing the talent emerging from these educational institutions.

When asked about gender parity within the program, Kullengård praised the excellent balance within the Discovery Co-Production Platform, Works in Progress, and Nordic Gateway sections, which feature 27 male directors, 26 female directors, and one non-binary director. This diversity is crucial in creating a more inclusive and representative film industry.

Beyond the film programming, another major highlight of the 26th Nordic Film Market will be the launch of the Nostradamus Collective on January 29. Kullengård described this initiative as an extension of the industry reference Norstradamus report, which is disclosed annually at the Cannes Film Festival.

The aim of this new collaborative initiative is to create a space for industry professionals to share insights and perspectives while strengthening the audiovisual sector’s collective ability to navigate change. Approximately 30 European decision-makers will be invited to participate in a closed session, and key findings from this gathering will be presented around the Berlin film festival.

As in previous years, industry attendees will have the opportunity to connect at the iconic Clarion Hotel Draken venue, while market screenings will be held at Göteborg’s Biolapatset multiplex, ensuring a vibrant environment for networking and collaboration.

Göteborg’s other major market showcase, the TV Drama Vision event, will take place on January 28-29, further emphasizing the city’s commitment to fostering talent across all genres of visual storytelling.

Comprehensive Works in Progress Lineup for 2025

“A Light That Never Goes Out” (Finland) by Lauri-Matti Parppei, produced by Ilona Tolmunen and Vincent Saunders (Made, Goodtime Pictures). Sales information to be announced.

“Árru” (Norway) by Elle Sofe Sara, produced by Elisa Fernanda Pirir and Court Ropp (Stær Film). Sales information to be announced.

“A Sweetness from Nowhere” (Sweden) by Ester Martin Bergsmark, produced by Anna-Maria Kantarius (Garagefilm). Sales information to be announced.

“Biodlaren” (Sweden) by Marcus Carlsson, produced by Lovisa Charlier Ginday (Mariedamfilm). Sales information to be announced.

“Hana Korea” (Denmark/Korea) by Frederik Sølberg, produced by Sara Stockmann and Heejung Oh (Sonntag/Seesaw). Sales handled by REinvent.

“Home” (Denmark) by Marijana Janković, produced by Mads-August Grarup Hertz (Nordisk Film). Sales handled by TrustNordisk.

“My First Love” (Norway) by Mari Storstein, produced by Tøri Gjendal and Thomas Robsahm (Nordisk Film Norge). Sales handled by TrustNordisk.

“No Good Men” (Denmark/France/Norway) by Shahrbanoo Sadat, produced by Katja Adomeit (Adomeit Film). Sales information to be announced.

“No Rest for the Wicked” (Denmark) by Kasper Kalle, produced by Lars Bredo Rahbek (SF Studios). Sales handled by Charades.

“The Squirrel” (Finland) by Markus Lehmusruusu, produced by Mark Lwoff and Misha Jaari (Bufo). Sales handled by REinvent.

“Solomamma” (Norway) by Janicke Askevold, produced by Rebekka Rognøy, Magne Lyngner, Magnus Albertsen, and Gary Cranner (Bacon Pictures Oslo). Sales information to be announced.

“The Dance Club” (Sweden) by Lisa Langseth, produced by Maria Walter Dahlin and Veronika Öhnedal (Meta Film). Sales handled by RE