The Norwegian Film Institute’s strategy sets out the framework for achieving Norway’s film and games policy objectives for the period 2026–2029.
The audiovisual sector is undergoing a period of profound transformation. In this new media landscape, what feels familiar, authentic and rooted in our own language and culture becomes more important than ever. Norwegian films, series and games are not merely entertainment – they carry language, culture, freedom of expression and a sense of community. They offer stories that help us understand ourselves and each other across generations, backgrounds and geography.
Main ambition:
We give Norwegian language and culture a clear voice in a new global media landscape through independent stories and experiences that move, enrich and connect us.
The strategy for 2026–2029 outlines how the Norwegian Film Institute will respond to this reality. It is built on insight, dialogue with the industry and a clear public mandate
Based on the key findings, we have identified four strategic paths. For each path, we have outlined an ambition, an outlook, and the key strategic measures that will guide us there.
Targeted funding schemes and flexible financing enable economically sustainable production of films, series and games, and ensures negotiation leverage for rights holders. Norwegian films, series and games gain increased access to international financing through their strong global position.
Norwegian films, series and games are developed and produced within a dynamic and sustainable ecosystem, where funding from the Norwegian Film Institute provides a stable part and unlocks further financing. Our funding grants limit risk, provide security, and unlock financing from European public funding schemes, international streaming services, co- producers, private investors and other sources of capital. The Norwegian Film Institute offers funding opportunities for early-stage development, enabling rights holders to develop projects with clearly defined IP ownership. This provides stronger market visibility and more effective project realization, both in choosing partners and in engaging with national and international audiences. The Norwegian VOD investment obligation scheme ensures stable funding from major international streaming services, increasing predictability and confidence across the industry.
Production volumes are sufficient to maintain a stable and strong market share in cinemas, and high-quality content ensures international impact. Norwegian films, series and games increasingly generate revenue across multiple platforms and markets worldwide, spanning different formats. International streaming services remain active partners in Norwegian production, with investments and broad distribution contributing to increased audience reach for Norwegian films, series and games. The Norwegian Film Institute also provides mechanisms that enable independent producers to safeguard rights in ways that strengthen Norwegian ownership and value creation.
The Norwegian Film Institute’s financing has become more efficient and flexible. Our funding systems respond to the need for more sustainable and adaptable financing, suitable for the economics of film production, investment conditions and market realities. Creative freedom and national ownership remain strong, as the funding structure supports both culturally significant and commercially viable projects, regardless of format or target group.
The Norwegian Film Institute will promote films, series and games that engage and reflect the general public by prioritising quality content from strong talents, developed with cultural relevance and audience insight, made available across platforms.
Norwegian audiences have access to a diverse and relevant range of films, series and games of high artistic quality. Norwegian audiovisual productions reflect the complexity of society and convey stories with thematic depth, nuanced characters and strong narrative power. Audiences of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances have access to content made for them and they know where to find it. Cinemas remain important meeting places and key partners for local culture.
Artistic innovation is driven by strong development spaces, and funding schemes have been revitalised to provide greater flexibility for creators. Audience insight is used as a source of inspiration, where both established and emerging talent can develop their personal artistic visions. A diverse and inclusive production environment brings forward a wide range of stories and perspectives through the interplay between commercial and artistic ambitions.
Norwegian production companies create and retain ownership of strong intellectual properties that engage audiences both nationally and internationally. In an algorithm-driven media landscape, Norwegian films, series and games succeed in breaking through and reaching audiences with content perceived as culturally relevant and relatable.
The Norwegian audiovisual sector is applying audience insight across development, programming and distribution. Public funding supports experimenting with new technology, audience engagement, and platforms for promotion and distribution. Norwegian content reaches new target audiences, not by coincidence, but through strategic development.
Norwegian films, series and games are strong brands both nationally and internationally, and acknowledged for their value to culture, freedom of expression, accessibility and public engagement. Children, young people and parents choose Norwegian films, series and games that reflect their language and ways of expression.
Norwegian films, series and games are established as strong, recognisable cultural brands both in Norway and internationally. There is broad public awareness of their importance not merely as entertainment, but as culture, freedom of expression, accessibility and cultural exports. Audiences take pride in and identify with Norwegian content, and there is strong confidence in the Norwegian Film Institute’s mandate and priorities.
Successful productions and creators are celebrated through collaborative efforts with the industry, ensuring that individual success contributes to strengthening the sector collectively. Across media, festivals and public discourse, Norwegian content is widely considered to be succeeding both artistically, commercially and socially. The Norwegian Film Institute’s grants and activities are considered efficient, relevant, and beneficial societally.
Children and young people have a strong connection with films, series and games that reflect their experience, language and ways of expression. This makes young audiences feel seen and understood and builds an enduring relationship with Norwegian audiovisual content.
Enhanced visibility unlocks new financing, through increased interest from private sector actors and international co-financing partners, and strengthens the legitimacy of public funding. The Norwegian Film Institute is a prominent and trusted public voice, securing the mandate of the Institute and the position of government audiovisual policies with audiences, policy makers and civil society through strategic communication.
Our public administration will be efficient and data-driven, drawing on interdisciplinary expertise in our casework. We use new technology across all our work processes. Our digitalisation and IT department is the main driver of innovation at the Norwegian Film Institute. Skills building in the organisation is guided by strategic needs.
The Norwegian Film Institute’s organisational culture is informed by our commitment to providing a high-quality service. Through our annual governance processes, we prioritise measures that ensure continuous improvement. Improvement initiatives are based on analysis and insight. The Norwegian Film Institute maintains a systematic understanding of our professional fields, with a strategic and long-term approach to developing expertise within the organisation.
Our digitalisation and IT department is the main driver of innovation and a strategic partner to the organisation, developing digital services for staff, users and partners in close cooperation with relevant professional communities. Digital tools and artificial intelligence are integrated into our workflows, freeing up capacity for public value creation in work processes that require professional assessment.
Our grant scheme system has evolved from a case management approach to a user- oriented flexible model. Consequently, projects that receive grants from the Norwegian Film Institute are offered tailored support according to specific needs. Our applicants get dependable, positive support and guidance throughout the application process. Applicants who are not awarded funding also have a positive user experience. Our casework processes are efficient and consistent, maintaining high professional standards and strong technological support.
When we uncover errors or breaches of procedure, we use this as opportunities for learning and improvement. Giving and receiving feedback is an integral part of our learning culture and everyday workflow. We have become an organisation that simultaneously delivers results and pursues improvements.
CEO