10:00–11:30: Where Does Norwegian Cinema Go from Here?
Norwegian cinema has recently enjoyed remarkable succes.. But is this the result of long-term film policy, strong professional communities and strategic talent development—or has an exceptional generation of filmmakers succeeded despite the system?
Today, production is slowing, the industry is undergoing structural change and experienced film workers are leaving the field. How can we build on the achievements of recent years while responding to a rapidly changing industry?
MIRAGE and Rushprint invite leading filmmakers and industry professionals to discuss:
- Which structures made the recent successes possible?
- What should be preserved, and what must change?
- How can film policy support artistic ambition, talent development and a sustainable industry?
- What will it take for Norwegian cinema to reach audiences and remain internationally relevant?
Panel members:
Maria Ekerhovd – Producer
Dyveke Bjørkly Graver – Producer
Leiv Igor Devold – Filmmaker
Ånund Austenå – Director, Viken Film Centre
Representative from the Norwegian Film Institute
Moderator: Kjetil Lismoen, Editor of Rushprint
12:00–13:30: Who Gets to Define Norwegian Cinema?
Who decides which Norwegian films are made—and what Norwegian cinema should be?
Under the current commissioner system, one film professional can follow a project over time, engage directly with its filmmakers and take responsibility for an artistic assessment. Supporters argue that this creates space for originality, risk and films that might never survive market analysis or a consensus-driven committee.
Critics point to the considerable power placed in the hands of individuals. In a small industry, questions arise around conflicts of interest, subjective taste, unpredictability and whether different artistic perspectives are adequately represented.
This panel asks:
- Is the film commissioner system still the best model?
- Should projects be assessed by one commissioner, a committee or a professional council?
- Would a committee distribute power—or produce safer artistic compromises?
- Could a hybrid model preserve close artistic dialogue while including several professional perspectives?
- How can we safeguard artistic courage, impartiality, diversity and trust?
Panel members:
Toril Johannessen – Deputy Chair of Arts Council Norway and Chair of its Visual Arts Committee
Ståle Stein Berg – Former Film Commissioner
Thomas Robsahm – Producer
Elisa Fernanda Pirir – Producer
Moderator: Kjetil Lismoen, Editor of Rushprint
14:00–15:30: New Frameworks, New Films
Can low- and microbudget filmmaking create space for more films, greater artistic risk and a broader range of voices?
Initiatives such as Nye Veier and Neo have enabled productions to work with significantly lower budgets, resulting in films that have found both international recognition and domestic audiences. Could a permanent microbudget scheme offer emerging and established filmmakers greater freedom to experiment?
The panel explores:
- Can smaller budgets allow the funding system to support more projects and take greater risks?
- Should a permanent microbudget scheme be established alongside the conventional commissioner system?
- What new artistic and practical working methods would it require?
- How can lower budgets be achieved without underpaying or overworking film crews?
Microbudgets should not simply mean doing the same work with fewer resources. They can encourage production methods tailored to each project, and new ways of organising filmmaking within a more sustainable industry.
Panel members:
Patrik Syversen – Filmmaker
Rodrigo Stoicheff – Former Film Commissioner
Yonas Nakland – Filmmaker
Marte Vold – Filmmaker and Cinematographer
Representative from the Norwegian Film Institute