TrustNordisk is proud to announce that we have boarded Niels Arden Oplev’s upcoming Danish feature SHADOW & LIGHT. The film is a humorous and emotional drama set in the tiny seaside village of Hirtshals, Denmark.
This year marks 30 years since film director Niels Arden Oplev had his breakthrough with the controversial feature film PORTLAND, which was selected for the main competition at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1996 and as a Top 10 Critic’s Pick of the Year in New York. Since then, he has gained worldwide recognition with films including the BAFTA-winning original GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, the Berlin International Film Festival Crystal Bear-winner WE SHALL OVERCOME, and as a director for Hollywood productions, such as DEAD MAN DOWN and MR. ROBOT. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for character-driven storytelling, visual precision, and emotionally-charged suspense.
With his new film, Oplev continues to explore compelling human stories with a strong international appeal, bringing together Scandinavian cinematic craftsmanship and globally resonant themes.
Synopsis:
William has a secret, and he can’t tell anyone. On the same day William learns he has an incurable brain tumour, his best friend dies on his final deployment to Afghanistan. It becomes impossible for William to tell his now heartbroken friends and family that he, too, will need a funeral soon.
In this dark and absurdly funny rumination on love and the meaning of life, William and those closest to him wrestle with the deep soul-searching that dying provokes, and an outpouring of grief-laden secrets, best kept buried.
“We are very excited to be reunited with Niels Arden Oplev on this new project. Niels is a filmmaker with a strong international reputation and a remarkable ability to craft emotionally compelling stories. We look forward to following the film through production and to introducing it to buyers and audiences around the world,” says Susan Wendt, Managing Director, TrustNordisk.
The film just started shooting, and the cast includes Esben Smed (HELD FOR RANSOM; THE LAST RESORT), Marie Bach Hansen (SECRETS WE KEEP), Anders W. Berthelsen (TO NEW BEGINNINGS), Anne Louise Hassing (THE HUNT), Morten Kirkskov (BORGEN), Lone Rødbroe (MY ETERNAL SUMMER), and Jakob Oftebro (KON-TIKI).
SHADOW & LIGHT is written and directed by Niels Arden Oplev. The film is produced by Thomas Heinesen for Nordisk Film Production with support from the Danish Film Institute, Den Vestdanske Filmpulje, Hjørring Kommune, Nordisk Film & TV Fond, TV2 Denmark & Nordisk Film Distribution. International sales are handled by TrustNordisk.