The upcoming Rotterdam Film Festival opening night movie “Munch,” which is supported by Viaplay, Scandinavia’s top streaming service, and was directed by Norwegian Henrik M. Dahlsbakken (“The Outlaws”), has been acquired by New York-based Juno Films.
Produced by The Film Company is “Munch.”
The agreement was negotiated by Vimish Gandesha, VP of Viaplay Select & Content Distribution, and Vondah Elizabeth Sheldon on behalf of Juno Films. The movie is anticipated to have its New York premiere in late spring 2023, followed by a run around the country.
According to Filippa Wallestam, chief content officer at Viaplay Group, “our most recent Norwegian feature provides a nuanced depiction of one of history’s most mysterious artists.” Though his work is well-known around the world, Edvard Munch’s equally intriguing biography is much less well-known.
With four chapters, the movie, which premieres in Rotterdam on January 15, resembles a quadriptych in several ways. Each component depicts a specific time in the artist’s life. Four actors, including Ola G. Furuseth from “Made in Oslo,” Alfred Ekker Strande from “Ida Takes Charge,” Mattis Herman Nyquist from “Headhunters,” and Anne Krigsvoll from “Lilyhammer,” play Munch. They portray Munch at various ages, including 21, 30, 45, and 80. To highlight the various stages of Munch’s life, four authors each took up a chapter.
The film’s visual aesthetic travels from black-and-white Academy Ratio to the low contrast cosiness of old colour film.
According to Sheldon, CEO of Juno Films, “Viaplay and Henrik M. Dahlsbakken have brought to life one of the most recognised artists in the world.” The four chapters of Munch’s amazing life are highlighted in this image, which will aid visitors in understanding the occasions and historical periods that influenced the artist and his creations.
With Anders Baasmo from “The King’s Choice” and Jesper Christensen from “Spectre,” a solid supporting cast joins the stars.
By the end of 2022, Viaplay, whose Viaplay Select SVOD service is currently accessible in 18 markets in Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America, will have provided more than 70 series and movies.
Future Viaplay releases include “The re Murders,” a drama series based on the best-selling crime books by Viveca Sten (“The Sandhamn Murders”) with the same name set in Sweden, and “End of Summer,” a psychological suspense novel by Anders de la Motte.
The Gaelic Feature “Róise and Frank” is on the distribution schedule of Juno Films, a boutique distribution firm and globe sales agent founded in 2017 by Vondah Elizabeth Sheldon.
Recent releases include Peter Hedges’ “The Same Storm,” Lucile Hadihalilovi’s “Earwig,” Lasse Hallström’s “Hilma,” from “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” and the Sundance documentary “The Most Beautiful Boy In The World.”