Danish international sales agent TrustNordisk is making waves at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival by showcasing seven compelling films during the festival and the accompanying European Film Market (EFM), which runs from February 13-19, 2025.
Among them, two world premieres stand out: Late Shift, directed by acclaimed Swiss-Italian filmmaker Petra Volpe, and Home Sweet Home, from Danish writer-director Frelle Petersen. Late Shift explores the relentless demands of the healthcare sector through the eyes of Floria, a compassionate nurse played by Leonie Benesch, who faces overwhelming pressures amid understaffing. The film builds to tense climaxes as Floria navigates through time-sensitive crises. Scheduled for release shortly after its premiere, the film will be available to viewers across Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Volpe, known for her previous work on The Divine Order, has created another poignant narrative reflecting the hard realities of the nursing profession.
On the other hand, Home Sweet Home dives deep under the emotional burdens of caregiving. The film presents Sofie, portrayed by Jette Søndergaard, as she juggles her job as a home care aide with raising her young daughter Clara. When external pressures mount due to disturbing complaints from family, Sofie faces her formative struggles head-on. This work, produced at Zentropa, is expected to release theatrically across Denmark by June 2025.
Alongside these premieres, TrustNordisk presents additional films previously unveiled at international film festivals. Among them is Sauna, directed by Mathias Broe, which addresses identity and love within the LGBTQ+ community, and Safe House, directed by Eirik Svensson, which tells the gripping tale of ethical dilemmas arising during the 2013 civil conflict in the Central African Republic.
Meanwhile, Disney+ has formalized its commitment to European cinema through landmark agreements with key French film organizations. This includes financial support pledging 25% of its net annual turnover generated within France for nurturing French and European film productions over three years. This agreement will fund around 70 projects, estimated to amount to approximately €115 million, significantly boosting the film and audiovisual industries.
Part of the deal allows Disney+ subscribers access to these movies merely nine months post their theater debuts, contrasting with the previous wait of 17 months. A significant focus will also be honed on creating works of diversity by ensuring 100% of audiovisual investments head toward heritage works starting from 2025, enhancing the platform's engagement with independent production.
Shifting gears, the recent announcement of the CPH:FORUM reveals 30 documentary projects encompassing early to late development across multiplicity and perspectives, indicative of the Nordic film market's commitment to innovative storytelling. This year's selection spread across March 24-27, 2025, will showcase filmmakers from 26 countries. Newly included is the CPH:ROUGHCUT strand aiming at rough-cut projects ripe for distribution and audience engagement.
Mara Gourd-Mercado, head of CPH:DOX, emphasizes the importance of presenting nuanced and diverse narratives amid today’s climate of misinformation and polarized views. "The 2025 CPH:FORUM selection is a snapshot of a place in time," she stated, echoing the festival's aim of spotlighting fresh voices.
Lastly, celebrated writer-director Lone Scherfig has unveiled plans for Honeytrap, marking her inaugural venture within Swedish territory. Scheduled to transport audiences back to the 1960s, Scherfig describes the film as “a skewed, tilted version of the more romantic films” she’s known for. With scriptwriting duties fallen to Pelle Rådström, the narrative will navigate through layers of thriller elements interlaced with humor and romance, reflecting Scherfig's mastery of storytelling.
With these exciting announcements and initiatives, the European film industry continues to thrive, showcasing creativity, innovation, and collaborative efforts among diverse talents and productions.