Ulaa Salim's 'Eternal' will compete in Big Screen Competition at one of Northern Europe's largest film festivals, International Film festival Rotterdam (IFFR), which runs from January 25 to February 4, 2024. Alexander Lind's documentary 'The Light' will be screened in the festival's Harbour program for more artistically oriented films from around the world, while Nikolaj Arcel's 'The Promised Land' will be shown in the section Limelight, which highlights festival hits from around the World.
Eternal by Ulaa Salim
Young climate scientist, Elias falls in love with an aspiring singer, Anita. But when an opportunity arises for him to join a mission researching a dangerous climate change phenomenon – a mysterious fracture on the ocean floor – he chooses career over love. Years later, during his mission, he experiences a vision of what his life could have been like if he made a different choice and his new obsession becomes to get his old life and love back.
'Eternal' is directed and written by Ulaa Salim whose feature debut in 'Sons of Denmark' from 2019 was also presented in the Big Screen Competition strand at the Rotterdam Film Festival, followed by Nordic Competition at the Gothenberg IFF. ‘Eternal’ is produced by Daniel Mühlendorph for Hyæne Film and co-produced by Netop Films v/ Grímar Jónsson and Tjörvi Thorsson with support from the Danish Film Institute, Den Vestdanske Filmpulje, DR, Icelandic Film Centre, Nordisk Film & TV Fond, New Europe Film Sales, Rúv, Sena and Reykjavik Visuals. Nordisk Film releases in Danish cinemas on April 18, 2024 and New Europe Film Sales handles international sales. The cast includes Simon Sears, Nanna Øland Fabricius, Viktor Hjelmsø, Anna Søgaard Frandsen, Magnus Krepper and others.
The Light by Alexander Lind
‘The Light’ is a documentary that explores the controversial artwork "Peace Sculpture" created in 1995 by artist Elle-Mie Ejdrup at the Danish West coast . The piece, a 532 km laser beam along the West coast bunkers, ignited a national debate in Denmark about the country's dark past and liberation from Nazi occupation. Elle-Mie faced threats and ostracism due to sexist media coverage. After 28 years, the documentary reveals new perspectives. It not only focuses on the artwork and controversy but also highlights the overlooked Atlantic Wall built during WWII and emphasizes the importance of nuanced historical narratives.
'The Light' is directed by Alexander Lind, who has previously directed several short documentaries such as 'Carl & Niels' (2013), 'Next Summer' (2017) and 'The Remandee' (2020), and is produced by Emil Johnsen for GotFat Productions with support from the Danish Film Institute, DR and Den Vestdanske Filmpulje.
The Promised Land by Nikolaj Arcel
'The Promised Land' by Nikolaj Arcel is set in 1755. The impoverished Captain Ludvig Kahlen sets out to conquer the harsh, uninhabitable Danish heath with a seemingly impossible goal: to build a colony in the name of the King. In exchange, he'll receive a desperately desired Royal name for himself. But the sole ruler of the area, the merciless Frederik de Schinkel, arrogantly believes this land belongs to him.
‘The Promised Land’ finds Director Nikolaj Arcel reunited with lead actor Mads Mikkelsen who also played the lead role in 'A Royal Affair'. The film received an Oscar nomination in the “Foreign Language” (now known as “International Feature Film”) category in 2013. In addition to Venice, 'The Promised Land' has participated in several prominent festivals including Telluride, Toronto and San Sebastian. The film is produced by Louise Vesth for Zentropa and has received financial backing from the Danish Film Institute.