French Focus

French Focus at New Nordic Films in Haugesund  

In 2026, New Nordic Films will focus on co-productions with France, aiming to promote collaboration and co-production opportunities between France and the Nordic countries.    

From August 25th – 28th 2026, New Nordic Films, in partnership with the Institut francais de Norvège, the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the CNC and Unifrance, will host a French Focus-program of activities.  

Bridging the French and Nordic Industries 

The aims of French Focus are to build a stronger bridge between the French and Nordic film industries, to facilitate and increase co-production opportunities, and to enhance industry knowledge and foster long-term collaborations. 

The French Focus will provide a discussion on co-production opportunities, funding, and creative partnerships with industry experts highlighting the strengths of France and the Nordics through case studies and practical insights. This provides a unique chance to learn how to maximize the creative and financial advantages of co-producing with France.  

The Norwegian Int. Film Festival in Haugesund will also have an official French Touch program highlighting films and talents from France. 

– We are so excited about our French Focus. Our aim is to lay ground for professional collaborations and exchange between the French and Nordic film industries and contribute to a mutual discovery of the amazing talents in our countries. We believe our focus will lead to awareness, co-productions, and cultural exchanges in the coming years, Head of New Nordic Films Gyda Velvin Myklebust says.    

- We are delighted to contribute to the development of this French Focus, which is part of the strategy led by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Institut français to support French Cultural and Creative Industries internationally. At a time of remarkable momentum for Norwegian cinema, this initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening ties between the French and Nordic film industries by fostering dialogue, co-production and talent circulation. Isabelle Desvignes, Director of the Institute français de Norvège.

About Institut francais de Norvège 

The Institut français de Norvège, has been present in Norway since 1963. It fosters Franco-Norwegian cooperation in the fields of language, education, science, higher education, culture and the arts, especially promoting the exchange of ideas, the French language, and the cultural and creative industries. 

About CNC 

The CNC (Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée) is the French national film Institute, operating under the authority of the Ministry of Culture. Its main actions are: regulation, financial support and promotion of the cinema and audiovisual industry,   preservation and enhancement of cinema heritage. It runs the aide aux cinemas du monde (selective support scheme for film coproductions with France, endowed with a 8M€ yearly budget).  

About Unifrance 

Founded in 1949, Unifrance is the organisation responsible for promoting French cinema and TV content worldwide. 

Located in Paris, Unifrance employs around 50 staff members, as well as representatives based in the U.S., in China, and in Japan. The organisation currently brings together more than 1,000 French cinema and TV content professionals (producers, talents, agents, sales companies etc.) working together to promote French films and TV programmes among foreign audiences, industry executives, and media. 

Unifrance is supported by the French Republic, the CNC, the PROCIREP and by many public and private patrons and partners.