The First Projects Supported by SØRFOND
SØRFOND is already bearing fruits since starting up in February this year. The Films from the South Festival proudly presented the world premiere of one of the first films backed by SØRFOND; the Indian documentary When Hari Got Married, and the film proved to be an audience favourite.
When Hari got Married
Director: Ritu Sarin, India Producer: Karmic Films
Norwegian co-prod: Jon Jerstad, Cinema Oslo
Grant: NOK 121 000 (Approx. € 16 000)
When Hari Got Married is an Indian documentary that received grants from SØRFOND, and premiered at the Films from the South Festival 2012. When Hari Got Married has Jon Jerstad as co-producer, and is the first SØRFOND funded film to premiere.
Essential SØRFOND support
– The support from SØRFOND secured full funding of the project, and made it possible to complete this documentary, Jerstad says. The manuscript was already written and much of the material collected before support 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.
When Hari got Married is a film about love and arranged marriage in the time of cell phones. It 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 colourful festival, provides a unique picture of humanity, which also was reflected in the project's pilot."
Harder competition
– Several major international film support funds will be closed down in near future, 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.
Dukhtar
Director: Sourav Sarangi, India Producer: Son et lumiere
Norwegian co-prod: Jon Jerstad, Cinema Oslo
Grant: NOK 200 000 (Approx. € 26 000)
The manuscript was already written and much of the material collected before support was granted, and the film is therefore completed and ready for film festival screenings. The film had its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival 4th - 13th October 2012, from which it also got funding. It is selected for the IDFA 14th – 25th November 2012, however not in the Competition.
Deshora
Director: Barbara Sarasola-Day, Argentina Producer: Pucara Cine
Norwegian co-prod: Dag Hoel, Faction Film
Grant: NOK 679 000 (Approx. € 90 000)
A final and definitive cut is currently being prepared. Once the final cut of the film is ready, sound post-production will begin. Work on the opening titles design and soundtrack is already in development. Deshora participated at the IFP’s 34th annual Independent Film Week represented by the Producer Jhonny Hendrix (Antorcha Films SAS, Colombia) in New York. The completion of the film is estimated as February 2013.
Kandire – Land Without Evil
Director: Juan Carlos Valdivia, Bolivia Producer: Cinenmada
Norwegian co-prod: Petter Borgli, PJB Picture Company
Grant: NOK 750 000 (Approx. € 100 000)
This is an intercultural feature-film exploring the relationship between «the West» and the ancestral cultures of the lowlands, particularly the Guarani and Ayoreo nations. Shooting has been completed, and post-production is underway.
Neither the Veil nor the Four Walls
Director: Afia Nathaniel, Pakistan Producer: Zambeel Films
Norwegian co-prod: Carsten Aanonsen, Indie Film
Grant: NOK 750 000 (Approx. € 100 000)
The project has already received many awards and accolades, including prestigious development grants from Cinereach in New York, National Geographic and development support from Hubert Bals. The script has been invited to exclusive co-production markets at the Berlin and Los Angeles Film festivals. A number of human rights organizations, among them Amnesty International, have expressed their interest in supporting the completed film. Pre-production is completed, and shooting takes place in Pakistan, in October and November. The film will be finished in November 2013 at the earliest.
Palestine Stereo
Director: Rashid Masharawi, Palestine Producer: Cinema Production Center
Norwegian co-prod: Silja Espolin Johnson & Ruben Thorkildsen, Ape & Bjørn
Grant: NOK 750 000 (Approx. € 100 000)
Shooting is almost completed, and the final cut will soon be ready. An important part of the project is to build a Palestinian film industry by connecting professional technical managers with younger Palestinians from all areas, both the West Bank and Israel. The film deals with a dilemma that many young Palestinians meet today: should one stay and try to build a life, or seek a better future in other parts of the world? The premiere is estimated as spring 2013.
Wakolda
Director: Lucía Puenzo, Argentina Producer: Historias Cinematograficas
Norwegian co-prod: Gudny Hummelvoll, Hummelfilm
Grant: NOK 750 000 (Approx. € 100 000)
The shooting of Wakolda was completed at the end of August 2012, and the Producer is now editing the film. Everything went as planned during the 6 week shooting in Buenos Aires and Bariloche, The first cut will be ready by the end of November. Release date is estimated as May 2013.