Norwegian Film Institute says UP to woman filmmakers
The Norwegian Film Institute and Talent Norway (= Talent Norge, an institution which has since 2015 supported “artistic talent to realise their full potential”) have jointly instigated UP, a talent development program for Norwegian woman filmmakers. 12 Norwegian directors and producers will receive €5,300 (NOK 50,000) and participate in the year-long program, which focuses on the creative process and the individual development as a filmmaker. First group will start in September the institute’s Jannicke Stendal Hansen as project manager
“The stories – and competence – of women are essential for the films produced in Norway will reach (and are relevant to) the whole population. The work to improve the gender balance in Norwegian cinema is one of the most important for the institute and Talent Norway. The program is aimed at women who want to make features, documentaries and TV drama – it should develop their talent, strengthen their competence and contribute to their networking. Participants in the program should also be better equipped to recognise and handle structures which may prevent women from reaching their potential. The long-term goal is that at least 80% of the participants produce films within three years after completing the programme,” the institute and Talent Norway explained.
”The UP program is one of several initiatives the Norwegian Film Institute has implemented to achieve the target of a 50/50 gender balance in Norwegian cinema by 2020,” said the institute’s executive director-communications, strategic insight and international relations Stine Helgeland. ”We look forward to a fruitful collaboration with Talent Norway to get more talented women into Norwegian cinema.” – ”This is part of a compehensive effort and awareness of structures that make it difficult for women to succeed – with the institute we have high ambitions for clear results within the next three years,” added managing director Maria Mediaas Jørstad, of Talent Norway.
"This is a fantastic initiative - I wish it existed when I was beginning in the film industry,” said Norwegian director Iram Haq, who most recently signed her second feature, the award-winning What Will People Say (Hva vil folk si). “I was uncertain and insecure, and I hoped to exchange experiences with older colleagues and find someone I could lean on. That someone believes in you and counts on you will make a difference."
"It's a great initiative. – so far no measures to find more female voices in Norwegian cinema have worked,” added Norwegian director Hans Petter Moland, who is currently shooting his 10th feature, Out Stealing Horses (Ut og stjæle hester). It will give filmmakers a concrete opportunity to gather experience and to approach their goal. To succeed it must be followed up by an increase in film funding.”
Norwegian culture minister Trine Skei Grande is also welcoming the UP development program. “I support the institute’s goal of a 50/50 gender balance in Norwegian cinema by 2020. To achieve this goal it is important that we work across organisations and with the industry to find the best starting points. I am sure we will make it, and it will be great if film will show the way of the arts.”