Magnolia is enjoying an extended love affair with Scandinavia.
Roar Uthaug's Norwegian Oscar entry, disaster thriller, "The Wave" premieres tonight at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Based on the 1934 real-life tsunami in Norway´s Tafjord that killed 40 people, the Nordic disaster movie opened last month´s Norwegian International Film Festival in Haugesund (August 16) and opened in Norway August 28 to strong box office. It's already the best domestic performer of the year, beating "Minions" and "Fast & Furious 7."
Written by John Kåre Raake and Harald Rosenløw Eeg, the story focuses on a geologist who sends the alarm that a tsunami will hit in ten minutes. Kristoffer Joner, Ane Dahl Torp, Jonas Hoff Oftebro and Fritjof Såheim star in Uthaug´s fourth feature, which was produced by Martin Sundland and Are Heidenstrøm, for Fantefilm Fiksjon.
"The Wave is an incredibly accomplished action spectacular with phenomenal special effects," said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. "But it's also beautiful filmmaking with multi-dimensional characters and terrific acting. We're excited that Norway has chosen the film to represent their country at the Oscars this year."
Magnolia Pictures previously released Norway's "Headhunters," "Trollhunters," "Ragnarok," "Pioneer" and "Happy Happy," not to mention Danish Oscar entries "The Hunt" and "The Royal Affair." They plan an early 2016 stateside release.