Magnolia Pictures has acquired the US rights to “Arctic Convoy”, a Norwegian naval thriller set in the middle of World War II. The film comes from the producers of “The Wave” trilogy, so it’s a homecoming of sorts, as Magnolia released all three instalments of that series.
“Arctic Convoy” is directed by Henrik M. Dahlsbakken and written by Christian Sibenherz, Harald Rosenløw Eeg and Lars Gudmestad. Magnolia is planning to release the film in 2024.
The film takes place in 1942, when the leader of a convoy carrying vital military supplies to a Norwegian outpost decides to proceed through treacherous, enemy-infested waters despite the recall of their military escort. Fighting for their lives against German air and naval forces, the 35 civilian merchant ships brave the brutal Arctic seas to deliver much-needed supplies to soldiers at the front.
The film is produced by Martin Sundland, Catrin Gundersen and Thea Benedikte Karlsen for FanteFilm. The deal was negotiated by Magnolia co-CEO Dori Begley and SVP of acquisitions John Von Thaden. TrustNordisk’s managing director Susan Wendt represented the filmmakers in talks with the indie label.
Magnolia’s recent releases include the Sundance documentary “Invisible Beauty,” a look at fashion pioneer Bethann Hardison; “Joan Baez: I Am a Noise,” a documentary about the folk singer and activist; and “Kokomo City,” D. Smith’s Sundance award-winning documentary about black trans sex workers. Other films released during Magnolia’s 20-year history include the Oscar-nominated documentary Collective, the Cannes Palme d’Or winners and Oscar nominees Shoplifters and The Square, and the Oscar-nominated RBG, a look at the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
