– We take a closer look at the projects presented at the German event, which this year spotlighted co-productions between Germany and the Nordic countries
Alma by Pete Riski
The fifth edition of the CineCoPro Conference took place from 30 June-2 July during the Munich International Film Festival, bringing together emerging producers from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden with German industry professionals. Organised with the support of the Nordic film institutes, FFF Bayern, Film Commission Bayern, Creative Europe Desk München and German Films, the initiative aims to foster new co-production partnerships between Germany and the Nordic region. This year’s line-up comprised nine projects: five fiction features, one family film blending live action and animation, one feature documentary, one documentary series, and one thriller series. We provide a detailed breakdown of the projects below.
Alma – Pete Riski (Finland)
Producer: Pauliina Piipponen (Making Movies)
Blending supernatural elements with historical drama, Alma unfolds across two timelines. During World War II, teenager Alma acquires telekinetic powers while trying to save her father in Lapland. Decades later, the now 95-year-old woman comes into contact with the granddaughter she has never met, forcing both to confront the devastating consequences of the powers that have shaped their lives. Currently in development, the action-thriller has received backing from the Finnish Film Foundation.
Bjørn & Mattias by Joachim Morre
Bjørn & Mattias – Joachim Morre (Germany/Denmark)
Producers: Christian Lønhart, Felix Schreiber (isaac production, Sommerhaus Filmproduktion)
Set over the course of a summer on a small Danish island, Bjørn & Mattias explores masculinity, family trauma and mental vulnerability through the reunion of two brothers raised by their psychologically fragile father. As teenager Bjørn is drawn into the world of his charismatic older brother, Mattias, buried tensions gradually resurface, forcing both siblings to confront the past they have long avoided. The coming-of-age drama is currently on its third screenplay draft and has secured development support from the Danish Film Institute‘s Children & Youth scheme, FilmFyn and the producers themselves.
Bolliver – Mikal Hovland (Norway)
Producer: Eleonore Anselme (The Global Ensemble Drama)
In this live-action and animated family film, ten-year-old Frida kidnaps Oslo’s most beloved daycare teddy bear in a desperate attempt to convince her family to move back to the capital. As the pair embark on a chaotic journey from Oslo to Bergen, the magical bear gradually helps Frida understand that home is defined not by place, but by the people willing to stay together through difficult times. Aimed at family audiences, Bolliver is currently in screenplay revision and character-design development. Scanbox is attached as the distributor, and backing has been provided by the Norwegian Film Fund.
Brandt, produced by Genia Krassnig and Danny Krausz
Brandt (Germany/Austria/Norway)
Producers: Genia Krassnig, Danny Krausz (DOR Film-West)
Set between 1970 and 1974, Brandt revisits the rise and fall of German Chancellor and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Willy Brandt through the perspectives of the three women closest to him. As political triumph gives way to the Guillaume espionage affair and personal betrayals, the film seeks to reveal previously unexplored aspects of Brandt’s private life while examining the contradictions behind one of Germany’s defining political figures. Currently at the third draft stage, and entering packaging and financing, the historical biopic has secured development funding.
Let There Be Light – Björn Hlynur Haraldsson (Iceland)
Producer: Rakel Gardarsdottir (Vesturport)
As his release from prison approaches, Gardar attempts to rebuild his life while negotiating fractured family relationships, lingering trauma and an uncertain future. Rejecting conventional redemption narratives, the film instead reflects on accountability, faith and the possibility of care in the aftermath of violence. The social drama is fully developed and preparing to enter pre-production, pending final financing. It is supported by the Icelandic Film Fund.
Metrocosmos by Timo Novotny and Sebastian Rieker
Metrocosmos – Timo Novotny, Sebastian Rieker (Germany)
Producer: Sebastian Rieker (Seehund Media)
Building on the success of its first season, Metrocosmos returns with a second documentary series exploring subway systems across Europe and beyond. Combining striking architecture with intimate portraits of passengers and transport workers, the series transforms underground transit into a reflection of each city’s cultural identity and social fabric. Currently in financing, the second season has secured broadcaster support from BR, ARTE and RTR, while seeking additional partners for new international locations.
Morphs (working title) – Hilke Rönnfeldt (Germany)
Producers: Virginia Martin (Contando Films), North Ship Film
During two summer weeks on a remote North Sea island, a series of intertwined stories explore desire as a transformative force. Teenagers experiencing first love, a recovering addict, an ageing marine biologist and long-term partners all find themselves reshaped by the island’s mysterious atmosphere, where the boundaries between nature and humanity gradually dissolve. Currently in advanced development, the drama has secured support from the MOIN Film Fund Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein for both script and project development, alongside post-production services from Andec Cinegrell Filmtechnik.
Tallboy by Julius Dommer
Tallboy – Julius Dommer (Germany)
Producer: Ruth Ersfeld (Alma Bäng)
Tallboy examines one of Europe’s least visible environmental threats: the millions of tonnes of wartime munitions still lying on the sea beds of the North and Baltic Seas. Following German and Norwegian salvage specialists developing the world’s first autonomous clearance platform, the documentary explores how nations confront the toxic legacy of past conflicts. Currently in late development, the project has received development support from the Film- und Medien Stiftung NRW and the FFA.
Thule – Hannes Þór Halldórsson (Iceland)
Producer: Ingimar Guðbjartsson (Atlavík)
Set against the rapidly changing Arctic landscape, Thule follows Icelandic forensic pathologist Ari, who is sent to Greenland’s Thule Air Base after the body of a missing geologist emerges from the melting ice. Teaming up with Danish investigative journalist Kirsten, he uncovers a Cold War conspiracy buried beneath the Arctic, where military interests, political agendas and long-hidden secrets collide. Developed as a Nordic conspiracy-thriller series, the project is in late development, with the first five episodes drafted, and is backed by telecommunications company Síminn.
