Sørfond´s first films
An Indian documentary with grants from SØRFOND will be screened at the Films from the South Festival 2012. When Hari Got Married has Jon Jerstad as co-producer.
SØRFOND provides grants to film productions from countries on the DAC-list (Development Assistance Committee), provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and managed by NFI (The Norwegian Filminstitute) and Films from the South. The fund started up in February this year, and is already bearing fruits.
Essential SØRFOND support
Two documentaries were given grants in 2012, both with Jon Jerstad from Cinema Oslo as co-producer. One of them will be screened at the Films from the South Festival 2012. Jerstad has extensive experience as both director and producer of documentaries and has even made films from India, the first in the early 80's. For him, working with the Indian film teams is a valuable experience.
– The support from SØRFOND secured full funding of the projects, and made it possible to complete these two documentaries, Jerstad says.
The manuscript was already written and much of the material collected before the aid was granted, therefore the film will be ready before the festival. – I am very happy about what SØRFOND has achieved. One can do a lot by supporting independent film productions in southern countries where the possibility of national funding is small, he says.
Valuable connections
His role in the cooperation is mainly connected to financial and distribution matters. The artistic work and the potential distribution in India are fully in the hands of the Indian teams. Communication has been smooth and steady by e-mail and skype to Delhi and Calcutta and back. – It is attractive to form contacts with foreign film production, both to support the projects and to be involved in them. In addition, it is valuable to me as a producer and director to create these connections.
When Hari Got Married
When Hari got Married follows a groom and his family in the time before, and during the wedding day. The documentary shows a close up on the family, and also treats a reality where tradition and new thoughts walk hand in hand.
Director Ritu Sarin has 25 years of experience in documentary filmmaking; this project is developed together with Tenzing Sonam.
The jury's citation of support is as follows: «To follow this human and almost everyday life process leading to the colorful festival, provides a unique picture of humanity, which also was reflected in the project's pilot.» The project has received NOK 121,000.
Harder competition
– Several major international film support funds will be closed down in near future, and next year’s competition for SØRFOND grants will be harder, Jerstad says. SØRFOND is thus a very important and welcome newcomer to the environment. – In addition, it is very valuable for Norwegian producers to think in terms of an international film community and to get these contacts, which the co-producing brings, Jerstad ends.
And we can look forward to When Hari got Married at the Films from the South Festival 2012.