The internationally beloved youth film and festival darling LARS IS LOL by Eirik Sæter Stordahl has secured sales to multiple territories worldwide, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Former Yugoslavia, Poland, Estonia and Lithuania.
15 February, Copenhagen – We are proud to announce multiple sales on Eirik Sæter Stordahl’s award-winning youth film LARS IS LOL, which has toured international festivals and will now also be available to several international markets.
The film has sold to Germany, Austria and Switzerland (Look at that!), the Netherlands (VPRO), Former Yugoslavia (Zagreb Film Festival), Poland (BOMBA FILM), Estonia (Estinfilm) and Lithuania (Skalvija Cinema Centre).
Managing Director of TrustNordisk, Susan Wendt, comments:
'We are very proud to represent this remarkable debut by Eirik Sæter Stordahl. The film’s remarkable journey across international film festivals and with multiple sales has demonstrated its strong appeal and emotional depth worldwide.’
In addition to the film’s strong international sales, the film is also the proud winner of the prestigious ECFA Award for ‘Best European Feature Film for Children and Youngsters’, which will be physically accepted by Eirik Sæter Stordahl and producer Caroline Hitland tonight at the 14th Award and the Meeting of the European Children’s Film Community.
A standout youth film shining at international festivals
Eirik Sæter Stodahl is a highly regarded Norwegian director and screenwriter, celebrated for his ability to craft emotionally impactful and socially relevant narratives. His latest film, LARS IS LOL, has garnered international acclaim, captivating audiences worldwide and receiving numerous prestigious awards. Adapted from Iben Akerlie's bestselling novel, the film thoughtfully delves into themes of friendship, acceptance, and inclusion.
Besides being the winner of the prestigious ECFA Award, LARS IS LOL proudly took home the Audience Award at the 2023 Tromsø International Film Festival (TIFF Junior), as well as the Cinekindl Jury Award for ‘Best Children’s Picture’ at the 2024 Film Fest Munich. The film also earned the Children’s Jury Prize and the Children’s & Youth Award at the 2024 Nordic Film Days in Lübeck. Additionally, the film was selected for the 2024 European Film Awards and the 2024 Giffoni International Film Festival, among other prestigious events.
Synopsis:
Amanda is reluctantly tasked with taking special care of her new classmate, Lars, who has Down syndrome. To her surprise, Amanda and Lars develop a unique friendship. But in her struggle to fit in, Amanda ends up betraying Lars, causing her to lose both him and her other friends. In her quest for forgiveness, Amanda must find the courage to stand out and be true to herself.
LARS IS LOL is directed by Eirik Sæter Stordahl, and written by Eirik Sæter Stordahl and Iben Akerlie.
The film is produced by Caroline Hitland for Nordisk Film Production in collaboration with Oslo Filmfond, with support from the Norwegian Film Institute and the Danish Film Institute. Domestic distribution by Nordisk Film Distribution. International sales handled by TrustNordisk.
