TrustNordisk is proud to announce that we have secured the international sales rights for LIONHEART, the upcoming suspense drama from director Nagieb Khaja ahead of Cannes 2026.
Starring Besir Zeciri (THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE), Mohamed Djeziri (DARKLAND: THE RETURN) among others LIONHEART revolves around a man who tries to leave the gang he’s been part of for years and build a new life, only to find that moving on is harder than he imagined.
LIONHEART, which is currently in post-roduction, is Nagieb Khaja’s debut as a feature film director. He is a Danish journalist, filmmaker, and author known for his courageous frontline reporting and documentaries from some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones. Khaja’s reporting is often characterized by its risk-taking nature, ethical complexity, and commitment to giving a voice to people living through conflict. Over the years, he has received recognition for both his storytelling and his willingness to operate in environments where few journalists are able, or willing, to go.
Khaja’s first feature is a raw and authentic story, portraying a powerful reckoning with one’s own identity and the courage it takes to break free from a brutal gang environment. The film is inspired by one of the director’s own friendships with a gang member he met during research for a documentary making it a genuine portrayal of the Danish gang scene.
“It’s a debut that feels both urgent and notably confident in its expression, with a sharp perspective and emotional clarity. We’re proud to bring such a distinctive new voice to the international market,” says Susan Wendt, Managing Director at TrustNordisk.
Synopsis:
Luan has spent most of his life in a gang, but the years in this brutal environment have taken their toll on him. He dreams of starting over and wants out. As he begins to plan his exit from the gang and the neighborhood where he grew up alongside his best friend, Issa, a new life slowly starts to take shape. But Luan quickly realizes that finding his footing in this new reality will not be easy.
LIONHEART is directed by Nagieb Khaja, written by Jesper Fink and Nagieb Khaja and produced by Signe Leick Jensen and Morten Kaufmann for Toolbox Film in coproduction with Zik Zak FilmWorks. The film is supported by The Danish Film Institute, DR, Creative Europe, Nordic Film & TV Fund with local distribution by Scanbox Entertainment. TrustNordisk handles international sales.