Lilja Ingolfsdottir's feature debut, LOVEABLE, which premiered in the Crystal Globe main competition, secured an impressive five awards at tonight's closing ceremony of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
Copenhagen, 6 July 2024 - The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival has announced this year's winners, and we are thrilled to share that LOVEABLE stands out with five major wins. Along with the Special Jury Prize and the Award for Best Actress (Helga Guren), the film also took home the Europa Cinemas Label Jury Award, the FIPRESCI Jury Award, and the Ecumenical Jury Award.
Having made its world premiere earlier in the week, LOVEABLE received praise from both international audiences and critics. The film was honored a five minute-long standing ovation from the audience, while the press lauded Ingolfsdottir's direction and the performances by both Helga Guren and Oddgeir Tune. The Hollywood Reporter wrote 'Ingolfsdottir reveals a keen insight into human behaviour throughout the film, which is iterated with memorable moments.' Tonight's triumph further underscores the film's warm reception and strong recognition.
LOVEABLE is written, directed and edited by Lilja Ingolfsdottir, and marks her feature film debut. The film follows the fortunes of 42-year-old Maria, played convincingly by Helga Guren (22. JULY, 2018), whose world is turned upside down when her husband, played by Oddgeir Thune (BLINDSPOT, 2015-2020) asks for a divorce, presenting a story of self-discovery, growth and acceptance of one's dysfunctional patterns.
Sells to Czech and Slovakia
Following the world premiere, TrustNordisk has sold the film to Aerofilms with distribution in Czech Republic and Slovakia. 'Immediately after the premiere and the record-breaking standing ovations in the Great Hall, we knew we wanted to distribute this film into our theaters and we immediately started talking to the producers and sales. We are thrilled to bring this incredibly authentic and heart-breaking gem to Czech cinemas.' says Ivo Andrle, CEO of Aerofilms.
Recent sales announcements include September Film for Benelux, Estin Film for Lithuania and Estonia, and Cinemania Group for the former Yugoslavia, with ongoing negotiations for several other territories. 'We are thrilled that LOVEABLE has been honored with not alone five awards at KVIFF and is securing great distribution partners. This recognition underscores the brilliance of this contemporary arthouse drama and the exceptional talent of Lilja Ingolfsdottir as a filmmaker,' says Susan Wendt, Managing Director of TrustNordisk.
The Norwegian film is produced by Thomas Robsahm (THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD, 2021) for Nordisk Film Production and Amarcord.
Synopsis:
Maria strives to balance parenthood and a demanding career while her second husband, Sigmund, frequently travels for work. As the strain of competing needs takes its toll, their marriage begins to unravel. Despite Maria’s desperate efforts to salvage their relationship, Sigmund eventually informs her of his desire for a divorce, forcing her to confront her deepest fears. This revelation propels her into a torrent of grief, anger, and unconscious memories from her own past.
LOVEABLE is directed and written by Lilja Ingolfsdottir, produced by Thomas Robsahm for Nordisk Film Production A/S and Amarcord with support from the Norwegian Film Institute, as part of the Neo Talent Programme. Local distribution by Nordisk Film Distribution. International sales handled by TrustNordisk.
LOVEABLE will have its Norwegian premiere at The Norwegian International Film Festival in Haugesund on 19 August. Director Lilja Ingolfsdottir, along with the actors, will walk the red carpet once again. The film will be released locally on 11 October 2024.