TrustNordisk is proud to announce that we will have two world premieres in the Discovery section at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. The Zentropa-produced drama WHAT LIES BETWEEN US, directed by Amalie Næsby Fick, and the quirky sci-fi dramedy ARNE GOES TO SPACE, directed by Lars Vega, have both been selected for the section, which showcases feature films from visionary emerging directors from around the world.
The festival takes place from September 10th to 20th.
“We are incredibly proud to see both WHAT LIES BETWEEN US and ARNE GOES TO SPACE selected for competition in the Discovery section at Toronto International Film Festival. Although very different in tone and style, both films showcase the originality, ambition and creative strength of Nordic filmmaking. We are thrilled to introduce these remarkable works to international audiences and congratulate the filmmakers and our producing partners on this wonderful recognition," says Managing Director at TrustNordisk, Susan Wendt.
WHAT LIES BETWEEN US is a tense and gripping drama about how far parents are willing to go to protect their children. Directed by Amalie Næsby Fick and written by Nikolaj Arcel (THE PROMISED LAND, A ROYAL AFFAIR) and Sara Isabella Jønsson (COPENHAGEN COWBOY, UNRULY), the film is produced by Louise Vesth for Zentropa.
The cast is led by Sidse Babett Knudsen (BORGEN, WESTWORLD, INFERNO), Sofie Gråbøl (THE LAST VIKING, THE KILLING), and Asta Kamma August (THE KINGDOM, FAMILIES LIKE OURS).
“It is a tremendous honor that WHAT LIES BETWEEN US has been selected to make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. To me, Toronto is a truly unique festival, combining a strong artistic vision with a large and deeply engaged audience. So many people have worked incredibly hard to bring this film to life, and I still have to pinch myself when I think about WHAT LIES BETWEEN US embarking on its international journey with such an extraordinary beginning,” says director Amalie Næsby Fick.
Behind the camera, the film brings together some of Denmark's strongest creative talents. Director Amalie Næsby Fick has demonstrated her versatility across both animation and live action with acclaimed feature films and series including THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF THE GIANT PEAR, SEX, and BABY FEVER.
Screenwriter Nikolaj Arcel is one of the most accomplished writers in Danish cinema. His extensive credits include THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, A ROYAL AFFAIR, THE PROMISED LAND, and several films in the DEPARTMENT Q franchise. He co-wrote WHAT LIES BETWEEN US with Sara Isabella Jønsson, whose previous work includes UNRULY and COPENHAGEN COWBOY.
Synopsis:
A quiet suburban community is shaken by the alleged sexual assault of a teenage boy by two of his peers. As the town reels, successful real estate agent Anne Sofie discovers her own son may be more involved than she imagined. Determined to protect him and the family’s reputation, she makes a choice that sets her on a collision course with the other boys’ mothers, Sarah and Ulrikke. As accusations against her son begin to spread, the pressure mounts and to shield her family, Anne Sofie pins the blame on one of the other boys. But as her relationships fracture and her moral compass wavers, she’s forced to make a life-altering decision.
WHAT LIES BETWEEN US is produced by Louise Vesth for Zentropa Entertainments3 in co-production with Zentropa Sweden, Topkapi Films and Film i Väst with support from Danish Film Institute Market Scheme and NL Film Fonds in co-operation with DR/Danish Broadcasting Corporation, SVT, September Film and Nordisk Film Distribution A/S. Co-funded by the European Union. International sales by Trust Nordisk. Domestic release is currently set for 2026.
The Swedish sci-fi dramedy ARNE GOES TO SPACE is director Lars Vega’s debut feature. The film follows the brothers, grumpy Stefan and happy Arne, as it explores what happens when ordinary life is interrupted by the absurd.
Set in a quiet northern community, the film blends humor with emotion in an unexpected quirky sci-fi dramedy about wood chopping, hunting disputes and Swedish moonshine. ARNE GOES TO SPACE stars Rolf Lassgård (A MAN CALLED OVE; AFTER THE WEDDING) as Stefan and Lennart Jähkel (AS IT IS IN HEAVEN; THE HUNTERS) as Arne, accompanied by genre legend Kiran Shah (THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE; LORD OF THE RING: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING) as the alien Roland.
“It’s an incredible honor that Arne Goes to Space will have its world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival. I’m especially looking forward to finally trying a Bloody Mary Oyster, eating poutine, and, of course, sharing the film with audiences there,” says director Lars Vega.
Synopsis:
Originally set for Papua New Guinea to learn more about earth, an alien crash-lands in a Swedish forest and ends up with the two aging brothers Arne and Stefan in Norrbotten. The brothers lead a quiet small-town life, concerned with hunting team disputes and Arne’s growing illness. Stefan doesn’t want a free loathing space man in his home, while Arne welcomes and names the alien Roland. The brothers begin to teach him about the important things in life: moonshine, hunting and the concept of love, but as Arne’s illness starts to flare up, Stefan is forced to face the inevitable, a life without his brother.
ARNE GOES TO SPACE is directed by Lars Vega and written by Lars Vega & Theodor Österberg. The film is produced by Anette Brantin for Nexiko with support from the Swedish Film Institute, SVT, Filmpool Nord & NonStop Entertainment. International sales are handled by TrustNordisk.