The Norwegian Film Institute has awarded NOK 6,5 million (approx. €551,500) in production funding to three documentary films. The largest grants go to new projects from two of Norway’s most prominent documentary filmmakers; Benjamin Ree, whose Ibelin was short-listed for the 2025 Oscars, and Margreth Olin, whose Songs of Earth was Norway’s submission for Best International Feature (also 2025).
The production grants are awarded to the following three documentary films:
- The Horse Director: Margreth Olin. NOK 3,100,000 in production support. A poetic feature film seen through the eyes of a horse, where the world unfolds through encounters with the herd, the landscape, and humans. By approaching the essence of the horse, the film invites a deeper connection between animals and humans. Production Company: Speranza Film AS
- The Greatest Illusion Director: Benjamin Ree. NOK 3,000,000 in production support. The film delves into the dramatic life journey of the acclaimed illusionist Alexx Alexxander and his siblings, showcasing their compelling story through a rich collection of archival footage and intimate family videos. By incorporating a theatrical setting as a narrative backdrop, the film examines profound themes like trauma, memories, crime, and redemption. Production Company: Medieoperatørene AS
- Lifeline Directors: Nina Bellika and Lasse Dørumsgaard Stensrud. NOK 400,000 in production support. For hundreds of years, the Alta River has been a lifeline for the local community and a national treasure. Now, both the wild salmon and the culture it has shaped are at risk of disappearing – perhaps within just a few decades. Production Company: Salto Film og Fjernsyn AS
“With The Horse and The Greatest Illusion, we are supporting exciting new projects from two of our most recognized documentary filmmakers. Both Margreth Olin and Benjamin Ree have demonstrated that documentaries can reach a broad audience in Norwegian cinemas and achieve international success,” says Kjersti Mo, CEO of the Norwegian Film Institute.
“Together with the grant earlier this year to Tonje Hessen Schei’s new film The Whale Mystery, these films stand as pillars in the framework the Norwegian documentary industry is now building: large, ambitious, and important projects with international aspirations and strong audience appeal. There is every reason to believe that Norwegian documentary will continue to make a strong impact in the years to come.”
“At the same time, we are supporting new and promising documentary filmmakers with Lifeline by Nina Bellika and Lasse Dørumsgaard Stensrud. This is an example of the healthy growth within the Norwegian documentary field,” Mo adds.
