2nd October 2026
Háskólabíó www.riff.is
WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM Book of Selected Projects
Industry Days RIFF 2026
Iceland, Poland
Documentary Feature
SYNOPSIS As sheep disappear from Icelandic fields - tourists multiply. Through the eyes of a 'heimalningur', we see a rural community in between tradition and survival. Across Iceland, sheep farms are quietly transforming into guesthouses and restaurants, trying to survive on an unstable tourism economy, as the country’s landscape and Icelanders identity seem to be irreversibly transformed by the industry.
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PRODUCER
COMMUNITY
DIRECTOR
WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
Szymon Radzio is a Polish director, screenwriter and production manager of short films. Graduate of the Łódź Film School. He works at the Mazovia Warsaw Film Commission, Mazovia Warsaw Film Fund. Participant of: KIPA Film Production Accelerator 2025; 15th Warsaw Next workshops during the 41st Warsaw Film Festival; Young Talents programme at the Young Horizons International Film
Festival 2024. Recipient of the Villa Decius Institute of Culture screenwriting scholarship in 2024, and the Marshal of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship creative scholarship in 2022. Member of the Polish Filmmakers Association. He is known for Perseidae (2026), A Few Blocks Away (2021) shortlisted in TOP15 of the Nespresso Talents 2021 ‘Doing is Everything’ Competition and Rosebud (2021)–awarded in the Polish Film Competition ‘Nakręć się! 2022’.
Katarzyna Stasiełuk is a Polish producer who graduated from the Film School in Łódź and the University of Gdańsk, specializing in film production and film studies.
She has worked with leading Polish film institutions and companies, contributing to acclaimed short films including Dead Marriage and Crocodile, which premiered in the Semaine de la Critique at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
Guðný Guðjónsdóttir is an Icelandic producer and Head of Finance at Kontent, specializing in project financing, budgeting, and financial management for film and television productions.
She also leads the company’s production team, overseeing the development and delivery of documentaries and original content for TV and cinema.
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WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
COMMUNITY
PRODUCER
Iceland, Poland
Sara D. Baldursdóttir has a background in business, finance and art. She has worked in finance, accounting and management as well as film and television production in recent years. Sara has extensive experience in sales, marketing and production development and specializes in creating marketing materials and pitch decks for film and TV projects.
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
To depict the process of Icelandic society, tradition and landscape transforming, we follow the story of Fanny and Sverrir. From the POV of sheep raised by farmers we observe tourism leaving a mark on Icelandic culture. This aims to show the perspective on relationships between human beings through the eyes of an animal.
LOOKING FOR Completion date: 2028
Confirmed amount: Required amount: 12 000 EUR 232 000 EUR
Estimated length: 01:11
Project stage: Development
Total budget: 244 000 EUR
We are looking for collaborators who can support the film through financing, festival strategy and international distribution with focus on: Iceland as the territory, main location of the story and of the film as a project, as well as its topic. Poland as the country of origin of the main creators and other Nordic countries.
Production companies: HAKA Films Kontent Productions
CONTACTS: ks@hakafilms.com | +48 502 565 287
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Iceland, Faroe Islands
Documentary
SYNOPSIS Born on a remote island, Faroe Island in the North Atlantic, where the ocean meets the sky and the wind never rests, Eivør grew up in a world shaped by raw nature, ancient echoes, and something almost magical. From this wild and distant place, a voice emerged—powerful, haunting, and unlike anything heard before. This is an inspiring story of a girl from the far who dared to follow her own path.
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DIRECTOR
EIVØR
Ágústa M. Ólafsdóttir is a writer and producer. A member of Vesturport, one of Europe’s most innovative film, TV and theatre groups. Agusta has written, produced and directed documentaries that have won numerous international awards both in Europe and America as well as produced TV series and feature films. Her latest project is the TV series Vigdís, a 4 part drama series about the first female president in the world.
Agusta wrote, produced and was the showrunner of the series, working closely with the directors and head of departments.
PRODUCER
WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
Rakel Garðarsdóttir is the MD and producer of the award-winning and critically acclaimed company Vesturport.
She has also produced many theatre productions worldwide, from Siberia to London's West End, from New York and Washington to Toronto, Canada. In addition, Rakel was honored with the order of the Falcon from the president of Iceland for her work towards the environment and sustainable world, which is the highest honor that the Icelandic state can bestow on individuals.
With her company, she has produced a vast range of films, documentaries, and TV episodes, which have accumulated dozens of film and television awards, both international and domestic.
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WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
EIVØR
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
Iceland, Faroe Islands
Eivør grew up as my island neighbour, just across the North Atlantic from my home, Iceland. Growing up in the North, I have always felt a deep connection to artists shaped by nature and isolation. I have followed Eivør since her teenage years, recognizing early on a rare authenticity in her voice and vision. Seeing her perform for the first time was an almost supernatural experience of power, presence, and emotional depth. This film is driven by a desire to understand that connection.
LOOKING FOR Completion date: N/A
Confirmed amount: Required amount: 100 000 EUR 150 000 EUR
Estimated length: 01:30
Project stage: Development
Total budget: 250 000 EUR
- Co-Producer ( Faroe Island / Denmark ) - Sales Agent - Distributor - Pre-Sale
Production companies: Vesturport
CONTACTS: rakel@vesturport.com
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Iceland, Canada
Drama
SYNOPSIS On his first voyage aboard an Icelandic fishing trawler, young deckhand Hákon enters a closed world shaped by silence, loyalty, and relentless labour. As isolation and hardship forge unexpected bonds, he is drawn into a culture where belonging demands emotional sacrifice, forcing him to choose between becoming one of the men or holding on to himself.
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DIRECTOR
HAFIÐ ER SVART
DARK OCEAN
Baldvin Z is an award-winning Icelandic writer, director, and producer whose films and television series have reached audiences worldwide. His acclaimed features include Jitters (2010), Life in a Fishbowl (2014), and Let Me Fall (2018), the latter two premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival. His work has received more than 40 international awards and 22 Edda Awards, Iceland’s highest film and television honours.
Alongside his feature films, Baldvin has created and directed internationally successful series including Black Sands, Case, and The Journey. His films explore identity, human relationships, and the emotional consequences of social systems through an intimate, character-driven style. Dark Ocean marks a new chapter in his filmmaking, combining his deeply personal connection to Iceland’s fishing culture with a bold exploration of masculinity, belonging, and emotional silence.
PRODUCER
WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
Guðgeir Arngrímsson is an Icelandic film and TV producer known for emotionally resonant, visually compelling storytelling. He launched his career with Albatross (2015), a crowd-funded dramedy set in Iceland’s Westfjords, directed by Snævar Sölvason. The film’s festival success established Guðgeir’s reputation for managing productions in demanding settings. He re-teamed with Sölvason for
From Iceland to Eden (2019) and Odd Fish (2024), the latter receiving nine Edda Award nominations. He is currently producing Avalanche, a large-scale climate-disaster series from Glassriver and Whatevergroup, commissioned by Síminn. With a focus on character-driven narratives and international collaboration, Guðgeir is helping shape the future of Icelandic cinema.
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WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
HAFIÐ ER SVART
DARK OCEAN
PRODUCER
Iceland, Canada
Arnbjörg Hafliðadóttir (Abby) is one of Iceland’s most experienced producers, with a career spanning more than two decades. Since entering the film and television industry in 2002, she has produced over 160 episodes across 27 television series, as well as television movies and feature films for both Icelandic and international audiences. Her productions have earned dozens of awards and nominations in Iceland and abroad, including multiple Edda Awards from the Icelandic Film and Television Academy.
Completion date: N/A
Confirmed amount: Required amount: 402 512 530 ISK 93 345 000 ISK
Estimated length: 02:00
Project stage: Development
Total budget: 644 080 500 ISK
Production companies: Glassriver Terminal Pictures
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
Growing up surrounded by fishermen, I became fascinated by the emotional silence that shaped generations of men at sea. Dark Ocean explores how masculinity is learned through belonging rather than choice. My intention is not to judge these men, but to understand them. Through an intimate, immersive approach, I want audiences to experience both the brutality and the humanity of a world where survival often comes at the cost of vulnerability.
LOOKING FOR Our main goal is to connect with sales agents, distributors and potential financing partners, with a particular focus on Scandinavia. Dark Ocean is currently 62.5% financed through Icelandic funding, with applications pending in Canada and Europe. Through the WIP Showcase, we aim to secure the remaining financing, including ISK 93,345,000—15% of the total budget—through sales and distribution, while building strong partnerships for the film’s international launch. CONTACTS: baldvin@glassriver.is | abby@glassriver.is
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SÍNDROME DE CAPRICÓRNIO
Portugal, Finland
Absurdist, Psychological Drama
SYNOPSIS Pedro arrives at a remote clinic in Finland, referred by a Portuguese doctor, seeking help for a mysterious syndrome. Known as Capricorn Syndrome, this condition inexplicably affects only people born between late December and early January. At the clinic, Pedro is placed into a rigid routine, following strict rules and subjected to unconventional methods that force him to confront his fears.
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DIRECTOR
CAPRICORN SYNDROME
Miguel Munhá holds a degree in His documentary Nunca as Art and Multimedia from the minhas mãos ficam vazias Faculty of Fine Arts of the premiered at IndieLisboa and University of Lisbon, an MA in was acquired by Tate Modern. Film Directing from the Lisbon His fiction short Hei-de morrer Theatre and Film School, and an onde nasci screened at festivals MA in Cinematography from across three continents, while ESCAC (University of Barcelona). Pássaro Azul, supported by the He also studied at the University Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation of Hertfordshire (UK) and and ICA, premiered at the completed an Inov-Art internship Warsaw Film Festival (Poland) at Prodigo Films (Brazil). Working and screened at the Beijing as a director, producer and International Short Film Festival cinematographer, his films have (China), In The Palace (Bulgaria) screened internationally. and Entre Olhares (Portugal).
PRODUCER
WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
Ana Sofia Nunes is a Portuguese Her recent credits include the producer working across film, shorts Pássaro Azul (Warsaw television and cultural projects. Film Festival) and Era uma vez She holds a BA in uma vez no apocalipse (Tribeca Communication Design from the Lisbon). Most recently, she was Faculty of Fine Arts, University of selected for Match Me!, Locarno Lisbon, and an MA in Arts and Pro's international networking Heritage from Maastricht programme, and will take part in University. In 2020 she its 2026 edition. She is currently co-founded Jângal Studios after producing Suggia by Adriana working as Production Manager Romero and Capricorn at DuplaCena for several years. Syndrome by Miguel Munhá. Since then, she has produced audiovisual and cultural projects. 18
WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
CAPRICORN SYNDROME
SÍNDROME DE CAPRICÓRNIO
Portugal, Finland
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
Capricorn Syndrome explores mental illness, anxiety and personality disorders through a dystopian yet familiar world that mirrors today's growing polarisation, misinformation and emotional isolation. Drawing on my own experience with anxiety, the film combines minimalist storytelling with a hypnotic visual language inspired by Lanthimos, Bergman and Kubrick. Set between Portugal and Finland, it reflects my personal connection to both countries and their shared emotional landscapes.
LOOKING FOR Completion date: N/A
Confirmed amount: Required amount: 25% 75%
Estimated length: 01:40
Project stage: Post-production
Total budget: 1 600 000 EUR
We are currently seeking additional co-production partners, strategic industry contacts and long-term collaborations that can support the film's production and international circulation. Beyond financing, we see RIFF as an ideal platform to receive feedback from experienced professionals, refine our positioning within the European market and expand our network across the Nordic region.
Production companies: Jângal Studios David & Golias Films Films Films Oy
CONTACTS: anasofianunes@jangalstudios.pt
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WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
Drama
SYNOPSIS An old family campsite on a northern coastal stretch is at risk of closing to make way for a luxury resort. The park relies on a mix of tourists from all over Europe—including Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Iceland—who are just passing through, living temporarily alongside Portuguese campers who return every year and are virtually residents.
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Other acclaimed works include: On the Road to Femina (2010) and o amor é a solução para a falta de argumento (2011).
DIRECTOR
SEREIA AO SOL
Jorge Quintela graduated in Photography and Audiovisual in 2003 from the Escola Superior Artística do Porto (Porto School of the Arts). He is a founding partner of the production company Bando à Parte and works in Cinema as a Director and Director of Photography. As a director, he made his debut in 2010 with the fiction short film Ausstieg, awarded an Honorable Mention in the Experimental Competition at Curtas Vila do Conde and screened at several international festivals.
PRODUCER
Portugal
MERMAID IN THE SUN
Rodrigo Areias graduated from Lions at Venice and a Locarno Sound and Image at the School Leopard. As a director has won of Arts in Porto. He also did Film over 50 awards, his films have undergrad at NYU’s Tisch School been in several international film of Arts, the Eurodoc and the festivals, his last feature film The Venice Biennale College Worst Man in London premiered production training programs. at Rotterdam’s Big Screen Throughout his career, has Competition, and his last developed creative works in the documentary NOVA ’78 area of author cinema, video-art premiered on the official and videoclips. As a producer selection of Locarno. since 2001 has produced over 150 films and has won San Sebastian’s Golden Shell, three 18
WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
Portugal
MERMAID IN THE SUN
SEREIA AO SOL
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
In my previous short film, Sobre El Cielo, many elements from the realm of science fiction and the supernatural are already present but they never impose themselves as the narrative's core theme. In this film I intend to take an unequivocal approach to the cosmology of Portuguese reality through a dialogue between the sacred and the profane, reimagining pagan conceptions of Celtic origin devoted to goddesses—conceptions that blended with Christian customs—drawing on the legend of Melus.
LOOKING FOR - Minority co-producer - Financing / grant support Completion date: N/A
Confirmed amount: Required amount: N/A N/A
Estimated length: 01:40
Project stage: Development
Total budget: N/A
Production companies: Bando à Parte
CONTACTS: jorge.r.quintela@gmail.com | areias@bandoaparte.com
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ROGASTANZ
Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Spain
Dramedy
SYNOPSIS In a desperate race against her biological clock, Sara, an outspoken middle-aged journalist, turns to a mysterious Danish tantra master in the hope of boosting her fertility. Their unexpected and passionate relation upends everything she thought she wanted, forcing her to choose between the future she planned and the life she never imagined she could have.
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DIRECTOR
MARATHON BEFORE MENOPAUSE
Brynja Valdís Gísladóttir is an Icelandic director, actor, acting coach, and public speaker with nearly three decades of experience in film, theatre, television, and live performance. A graduate of the Iceland University of the Arts and the Icelandic Film School, she has directed and produced short films, documentaries, music videos, and commercials, with a particular focus on dramedies.
She has directed short films and a documentary short. Selected works include Lifi Kolaportið (2007, documentary short), Lítið land (2007, short), Fjölskylda (2008, short), Einu sinni var... (2009, short), Frí áfylling (2010, short), and Frumeðli (2023, short).
PRODUCER
WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
Júlíus Kemp is an Icelandic producer and director whose career has spanned nearly four decades. After studying filmmaking at the West Surrey College of Art & Design in the UK, he co-founded Kisi (The Icelandic Film Company) in 1991. Since then, he has primarily worked as a producer, alongside directing feature films and short films. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for recognising emerging talent,
backing first-time filmmakers, and supporting ambitious, unconventional stories. He has produced 19 feature films. Selected producing credits include The Icelandic Dream (2000 dir. Robert Douglas), Let Me Fall (2018, dir. Baldvin Z), and Odd Fish (2024, dir. Snævar Sölvason), as well as the international co-productions The Bothersome Man (2006, co-producer, dir. Jens Lien) and Unknown Soldier (2017, co-producer, dir. Aku Louhimies).
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WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
MARATHON BEFORE MENOPAUSE
ROGASTANZ
PRODUCER
Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Spain Aðalheiður Kristbjörg Jensdóttir Mathiesen is a producer. Before moving into film, she spent more than a decade working in business development, financing, management consulting, and strategic partnerships. She is currently producing Marathon Before Menopause while developing various film and television projects in Iceland. Alongside her business career, she co-founded art collectives and collaborated on a range of cultural initiatives. She holds an MSc in Diversity and Change Management, with a minor in Sustainable Business, from Copenhagen Business School.
Completion date: Q4 2028 / Early 2029
Confirmed amount: Required amount: 10 000 000 ISK 350 000 000 ISK
Estimated length: 01:46
Project stage: Pre-Production
Total budget: 360 000 000 ISK
Production companies: Kisi Productions Asta Film Harmonica Films KABOGA FILMS
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DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
I wanted to explore existential questions about identity, love, belonging, and what gives our lives meaning through the story of a woman in midlife, standing at a crossroads. Fertility and motherhood are part of Sara's journey, but they are not the only destination. For me, the film is about our longing for connection, the emotional cycles we struggle to break, and the hope that change is possible. I want the film to find humour in the messiness of being human, while letting other moments carry their own emotional weight.
LOOKING FOR We are seeking distributors, broadcasters and platforms, funds and financing partners, equity and private investors, pre-sale partners, sales agents, and impact and brand partners for Marathon Before Menopause (Rogastanz). We are particularly interested in building relationships that can strengthen the film’s creative and financing structure, expand its international reach and distribution, and create meaningful audience engagement and long-term social impact. CONTACTS: ingibjorgreynis@gmail.com | kemp@kisi.is | adalheidur@kisi.is
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BRÆÐSLAN | ÞEGAR ÞORPIÐ VAKNAR
Documentary, Music, History
SYNOPSIS Bræðslan is a sensory documentary about the people, resilience and inspiration behind a music festival held in a remote Icelandic village of only 90 inhabitants. Each year, an abandoned fish factory becomes a warm gathering place where locals, artists and visitors come together, proving how culture can give a small community a powerful voice far beyond the fjord.
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DIRECTOR
Iceland
BRÆÐSLAN | WHEN THE FJORD AWAKENS
Skúli Andrésson is an Icelandic filmmaker, visual storyteller, writer, producer, director and post-production creative. His work is rooted in atmosphere, human connection and a strong sense of place, moving between documentary, photography, commercial production and cinematic storytelling. For Bræðslan | When the Fjord Awakens, Skúli returns to the East Fjords with a deeply personal perspective and an
insider’s understanding of the landscape, the people and the resilience that shapes life there. As writer, producer and director, he guides the film’s emotional and visual language, while also overseeing post-production to ensure that the editing, rhythm, sound, graphics and final tone remain closely connected to the heart of the story. He is known for Graves & Bones (2014), Strýta (2012) and Secret and Lies (2012).
PRODUCER
WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
Olgeir Pétursson is an Icelandic marketing director and creative producer based in Reykjavík. Having grown up in Borgarfjörður eystri as a child and teenager, he brings a personal connection to Bræðslan | When the Fjord Awakens and a deep understanding of the community, landscape and cultural life at the heart of the film.
He contributes strong strategic insight, brand thinking and audience awareness, helping position the project both as a deeply local story and as a film with international reach. With experience in campaigns, partnerships and public communication, Olgeir plays a key role in shaping the film’s identity, visibility and connection to audiences.
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WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
Iceland
BRÆÐSLAN | WHEN THE FJORD AWAKENS
BRÆÐSLAN | ÞEGAR ÞORPIÐ VAKNAR
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
Borgarfjörður eystri is my second home, the place where my grandparents lived and kept their farm. With Bræðslan, I am documenting the heartbeat of a community that shaped me. The film captures the moment isolation gives way to connection, as a quiet village, raw landscape and old factory transform into a sanctuary of music, warmth and collective resilience.
LOOKING FOR Completion date: 2027
Confirmed amount: Required amount: 5 200 000 ISK 11 300 000 ISK
Estimated length: 01:10
Project stage: Production
Total budget: 16 500 000 ISK
We are seeking an established European or Nordic co-production partner with experience in creative documentaries, festival distribution and international sales. Ideally, the partner would bring finishing support, post-production resources, sound design, color grading and market strategy, while helping preserve the film’s local authenticity and open it to a wider international audience.
Production companies: Heima Studios
CONTACTS: skuliandres@icloud.com | olgeirp@gmail.com
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WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
NAAPURI
Independent, Psychological Drama, Horror, Suspense
SYNOPSIS Maria (35) jumps head first into a relationship with Jakob (36) after a heartbreak. Soon the new couple finds their dream home in a lovely neighborhood and decides to move in without a hesitation.
DIRECTOR & PRODUCER
Finland
COUPLE OF STRANGERS
Olli Salmi is a screenwriter and director. Currently, Salmi is working on his debut feature film Couple of Strangers, produced by Artesons. Salmi’s second fiction feature film An Amateur was pitched at the Finnish Film Affair in September 2025. Before pursuing his own career as a writer and director, Salmi had an established background as an assistant director for films and TV series. Salmi has also previously produced the short film On the Bus in Munich, which premiered at the Vera Film Festival in Åland in March 2026.
After a while, odd incidents start to occur and Maria is sure that their strange upstairs neighbor is behind it all. Slowly Maria starts to realise that her new spouse is not what he seemed to be.
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WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
Finland
COUPLE OF STRANGERS
NAAPURI
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
Our film is about a suffocating relationship. It’s about an invisible, stifling hand that has a hold of you wherever you go disguised as love. The hand first breaks you and then lures you right back in. What makes this film stand apart is the setting of events. The story, set in a cosy neighborhood of wooden houses, is not isolated or eerie at first. But as we witness the strange incidents unfolding the suspense grows and we start to feel more and more claustrophobic in the middle of a suburb.
LOOKING FOR We are looking for expertise in international distribution and festival connections. Completion date: Spring 2028
Confirmed amount: Required amount: 100 000 EUR 250 000 EUR
Estimated length: 01:30
Project stage: Post-production
Total budget: 350 000 EUR
Production companies: Artesons Oy
Minority co-producer Executive producer Post-production partner Financing / grant support Connections for festivals Major festival premier CONTACTS: olli@artesons.com | +358 50 590 5369
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BARA BARN
Iceland, Estonia
Coming of Age, Drama
SYNOPSIS After moving from Norway to Iceland, 16-year-old Júlía struggles to balance caring for her younger sister with fitting in at a new school. Drawn to charismatic Salka and the school newspaper, she begins to find her voice. But when a traumatic drunken night resurfaces, Júlía must confront shame, family responsibilities and the courage to tell her own story.
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DIRECTOR
JUST A KID
Vala Ómarsdóttir is an Icelandic Performing. Her credits for filmmaker, director, and screenwriting and directing performance maker with include: acclaimed short films master’s degrees from SPRUNGUR/FRACTURES (2021) Goldsmiths, University of and ÉG/I (2018), which have London, and the Royal Central each won and been nominated School of Speech and Drama. for several awards nationally and She has a Diplóma in Film internationally. directing and screenwriting from the Icelandic Film School Screenwriting workshop MIDPOINT and has completed a 2-year- program at the Broadway Dance Center, NYC for
PRODUCER
WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
Hlín Johannesdottir has worked in film production since the year 2000. She has worked with many of Iceland s most successful directors on feature films and documentaries as well as focusing on upcoming talent. Hlín owns and runs the production company Ursus Parvus in Reykjavik, established in 2015.
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Her credits as a producer include Oh Grindavik (2026), Just a Kid (2025) and four episodes of Everybody Loves Horses (2024).
WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
JUST A KID
BARA BARN
Iceland, Estonia
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
Just a Kid is an Icelandic coming-of-age film told through the eyes of a teenage girl navigating first love, desire, belonging, and the struggle to set boundaries. Set against the backdrop of a contemporary Reykjavík in the winter, the film captures the raw energy, uncertainty, and emotional intensity of adolescence. It is both an ode to youth and a story of young people challenging the silence surrounding sexual violence.
LOOKING FOR Awareness and networking.
Completion date: N/A
Confirmed amount: Required amount: N/A N/A
Estimated length: 01:40
Project stage: Post-production
Total budget: 208 000 000 ISK
Production companies: Ursus Parvus Alexandra Film
CONTACTS: hlin@ursusparvus.com
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Portugal, Finland, Italy
Documentary
SYNOPSIS This documentary explores Europe’s geographical and cultural peripheries through the voices of the people who inhabit them. Moving through the edges of Europe, the film brings together a diversity of languages, songs, stories, and soundscapes to evoke a shared sonic identity, inviting us to reflect on notions of borders, belonging, and the ways in which we inhabit and imagine territory.
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DIRECTOR
GHOST VOICES
Rodrigo Areias graduated from Sound and Image at the School of Arts in Porto. He also did Film undergrad at NYU’s Tisch School of Arts, the Eurodoc and the Venice Biennale College production training programs. Throughout his career, has developed creative works in the area of author cinema, video-art and videoclips. As a producer since 2001 has produced over 150 films and has won San Sebastian’s Golden Shell, three Lions at Venice and a Locarno
Leopard. As a director has won over 50 awards, his films have been in several international film festivals, his last feature film The Worst Man in London premiered at Rotterdam’s Big Screen Competition, and his last documentary NOVA ’78 premiered on the official selection of Locarno.
PRODUCER
WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
Joonas Berghäll is a Finnish film director, writer and producer. He has been involved in film making since 1998. Today he works in his own production company Oktober. Joonas has gained a reputation as a creative director and producer who invests in high-quality documentary and fiction films which have been screened in over a hundred film festivals.
He has proven to be one of the strongest documentary makers in Finland, from whom quality films year after year can be expected.
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WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWCASE: CO-PRODUCTION FORUM | Industry Days RIFF 2026
GHOST VOICES
Portugal, Finland, Italy
LOOKING FOR - Financing - Grant Support - Sales Partner
Completion date: May 2027
Confirmed amount: Required amount: 275 000 EUR 90 000 EUR
Estimated length: 01:05
Project stage: Roughcut
Total budget: 365 000 EUR
Production companies: Bando à Parte Oktober OY Karel
CONTACTS: carlos@bandoaparte.com | areias@bandoaparte.com
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