Lill Casslind
The Talent Norra - Västerbotten project, funded by the Swedish Film Institute's Talent to Watch initiative, enters its third and final year.
The goal is to provide opportunities for new talents across Sweden to develop their skills and establish themselves in the film industry despite the pandemic.
According to Lill Casslind, film consultant and talent development at Film in Västerbotten, supporting local filmmakers in developing their projects is crucial. Casslind notes that many Västerbotten filmmakers are eager to move from making short films to feature films.
In the past two years, the project has received 33 applications for the development of debut feature films, with seven projects granted in 2021 and 2022. These include an animated space adventure, a drama set in a Sami environment, a children's film, and a thriller exploring superstition and folk beliefs.
Casslind is thrilled with the quality and diversity of the projects. The deadline for applications for the development of debut feature films and documentaries is May 3rd. Funding is now available for documentary films, with the same requirement that applicants have not previously made a feature-length film.
Recording of the film I'm your man. Director Sarah Gyllenstierna, (right) and photographer Charlotta Tengroth shoot the opening scene.
– We hope that this project results in Västerbotten filmmakers being able to realize their film ideas, says Casslind.
- It would mean a lot if there were more feature films from Västerbotten. There are many talented screenwriters and directors here who have worked with short films, commercials and music videos but who have not yet made their debut feature film. We see that their stories and perspectives would enrich Swedish film.