Opening of New Nordic Films market

Dear friends,

I am going to use English – our common “Nordic language” . . .

The excitement of watching films where they belong – in a cinema – is global. So is the pleasure of sharing them with others. At this very moment, people are gathered in thousands of similar locations all over the world to enjoy films. And I – who have too little time available for going to the movies – am so pleased that this visit provides me with this opportunity.

In a few minutes’ time, New Nordic Films will open with Roy Anderson’s new film, Du levande. We all have high expectations for this film – as we have for the rest of the festival. We expect to be engaged, moved and entertained, and to leave with new insights.

Film – like all forms of art – but film in particular since it is such a strong medium – should provoke and reconcile, and create contrast as well as clarity. A film should challenge and comfort, raise awareness of shared values, and strengthen our understanding of fellow human beings.

All of this is so much needed in today’s hasty world. The film as a medium – and the whole creative fabric needed to make it true – explain why my Government has put a particular emphasis on supporting the Norwegian film industry.

This Government has increased the allocation for film in the national budget by over 60 million kroner. We have also presented a white paper on Norwegian film, indicating that a further increase is in the pipeline. Our objective is twofold: to encourage the production of more films that reach the general public, and to increase the number of women both in front of and behind the camera. The increase in funding – we hope – should give a real boost to the industry.

Today, we are gathered in a Nordic setting. We are thus at the same time in a European setting.

The European film scene offers a number of valuable tools for promoting cultural diversity and cooperation. The EU-initiated MEDIA programme - in which Norway and Iceland participate through the EEA - is a good example of this. The Council of Europe’s EURIMAGE cooperation programme and the Nordic Film and Television Fund offer European filmmakers opportunities to reach new audiences.

Norway is an active supporter of these programmes. It is good to see the fruits of this cooperation, in the form of new co-productions – that are stimulating the film-makers – and not least: that are enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of film fans.

The Nordic perspective, however, is important. Norway looked at both Sweden and Denmark as we developed our film policy. For years, we looked to Sweden and Denmark for inspiration and sometimes guidance. We still do. But gradually we have been picking up our own path.

Inspiration and innovation are key words in the Nordic film world. One person’s success in a particular genre inspires others to try. Role models can act as mentors and develop new talents.

Norway and Iceland have outstanding authors and a strong writing culture. Sweden has strengths in film, theatre and pop music. We all look to Finland when it comes to opera. And so forth. The Nordic countries – we could equally call them the “Famous Five” [Enid Blyton’s books] - have long acknowledged the importance of cooperation in reaching beyond their borders – and across the seas. The term “Nordic” has often come to be associated with a common set of values held by our societies. Values that we cherish - and that are, hopefully, reflected in our cultural mode of expression.

Norway was proud – I was proud - when a Norwegian director – Torill Kove - was awarded an Oscar this year for The Danish Poet. Well, I know, of course, that Norway’s Academy Awards record may seem modest compared with that of other Nordic countries. We are, however, making an increasingly important contribution to Nordic film - much of which is recognised worldwide as quality cinema. 

Nordic films have received numerous European awards, and here at New Nordic Films you – buyers, reviewers, festival organisers, sponsors and others – have an opportunity to view some of the latest efforts to maintain this trend.

Filmmaking – whether in the form of films for cinema, DVD productions or television programmes – is an expensive enterprise. For the people and companies involved, it is always a question of profit or loss. Film is art – and film is business.

Things such as language barriers pose a threat to survival unless filmmakers have a security net in the form of Government support or cooperation programmes. Therefore, the Norwegian Government has – as I mentioned – made the international growth of Norwegian and Nordic film a high priority.

I wish to thank all of you present here – buyers, distributors and people from more than 30 countries. You keep this essential network vibrant and together. I wish you all the best for the next few days, as you explore new opportunities for Nordic film. I am pleased to declare the New Nordic Films market in Haugesund 2007 open.