Two films film supported by Sørfond in Un Certain Regard in Cannes
Ethiopian 1st time director Yared Zeleke signs in with LAMB and Apichatpong Weerasethakul hits the prestigious section with CEMETERY OF SPLENDOUR. On board as Norwegian co-producer for Lamb are Alan R. Milligan and Film Farms. Tordenfilm with Eric Vogel/Ingunn Sundelin have been following Weerasethakuls project from the early stages of its completion.
Cannes Film festival announced the 6 last contenders in the official competition sections Thursday this week, and it became clear that SØRFOND was represented with two films. Lamb received USD 75.500 (2014) and Cemetery of Splendour was granted USD 70.000 (2014). This year's line-up in Un Certain Regard was very strong, including additional great directors as Naomi Kawase, Kiyoshi Kurosawa and Brilliante Mendoza.
- We are proud to have contributed to the completion of these films with grants from Sørfond, says Sveinung Golimo, Head of production and development at The Norwegian Film Institute. – It is also a great pleasure to see Norwegian producers getting the opportunity to work together with such talents. A profound enrichment for the Norwegian film industry.
LAMB
Lamb is directed by Yared Zeleke. Ethiopian company Slum Kid Films is main producer and Norwegian co-producer is Alan R.Milligan from Film Farms.
The film is a semi-biographical story that embraces love, grief and humour in an everyday reality of an Ethiopian village. Main character is a young boy that has to come to terms with the loss of his home and parents. Its the first time ever that an Ethiopian film enters a competition section at the Cannes film festival.
CEMETERY OF SPLENDOUR
Cemetery of Splendour is directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul. He won the Golden Palm in Cannes in 2010. Main producer is Kick the Machine and Norwegian producer is Tordenfilm (Eric Vogel/Ingunn Sundelin).
In a small village in Thailand 27 soldiers is affected by a mysterious sleeping disease. A middle-aged woman that visits the hospital engages in a relationship to one of the sleeping soldiers. The story drives you into a dreamlike and magical world, in tune with the emotional journey of the female protagonist.
Both films where supported by SØRFOND in 2014.
CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
Un Certain Regard is a competitive section that is part of the festivals official programme. The festival dates are May 13 to 24, 2015.