Scandinavia's TrustNordisk Acquires International Rights to Amanda Kernell's 'Brace Your Heart'
Ahead of the European Film Market in Berlin, TrustNordisk has secured international sales rights for Amanda Kernell's upcoming drama "Brace Your Heart" ("Förbannelsen").
Filming begins this week in the Kiruna region of northern Sweden. Kernell's third feature, following the Swedish Oscar entry "Charter" and her acclaimed debut "Sami Blood," establishes her as one of Scandinavia's leading female filmmakers.
Based on Kernell's original script, the story unfolds in a remote Sámi village amidst towering mountains. Upon inheriting her father's reindeer herd, 20-year-old Ejva (Elli-Sara Valkeapää) faces the challenge of preserving its legacy. As the local leader Heaika (Andte Jusso Gaup) professes his love, Ejva hesitantly accepts.
However, the arrival of Heaika's cousin Nejla (Vincent Niia) ignites within Ejva a newfound passion. Betrayal and jealousy fuel Heaika's harsh reaction, leaving Ejva with an uncontrollable hand tremor that threatens her ability to care for the herd. She must confront her life and destiny.
Alongside newcomers Valkeapää, Gaup, and Niia, the film features notable department heads, including cinematographer Sophia Olsson ("The Crown"), production designer Sabine Hviid ("Another Round"), editor Linda Man ("Borgen"), and composer Rebekka Karijord ("All the Old Knives").
Produced by Eva Åkergren for Nordisk Film Production Sweden, "Brace Your Heart" benefits from co-production partnerships with Forest People (Norway), Compass Films (Iceland), Invictus (Bulgaria), Nordisk Film Production Denmark, Filmpool Nord, SVT, and Film i Väst. The film is supported by various film institutes and funding bodies across Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Bulgaria, and Europe. Nordisk Film Distribution will oversee domestic distribution.
TrustNordisk's impressive Berlin slate also includes "Late Shift" (Berlinale Special Gala), "Home Sweet Home" (Panorama), and six market screenings, including "Safe House," "Sauna," "Acts of Love, "Super Charlie," "The Polar Bear Prince," and "Caterella."