PRODUCTION / FUNDING Norway / Sweden
WW2 drama Gold Run set to be Viaplay’s first Norwegian original film
- The feature, helmed by award-winning filmmaker Hallvard Bræin, will star Jon Øigarden, Sven Nordin and Axel Bøyum in the leading roles
Last week, Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT) announced its first Norwegian original film. The project, a war drama entitled Gold Run, will be directed by Hallvard Bræin. The helmer is best known for his documentary The Giant (2005) and his Burning [+see also:
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Gold Run will be based on the extraordinary true story of a group of unlikely resistance fighters who smuggled Norway’s gold reserves out of the country ahead of invading Nazi forces. Jon Øigarden (the TV series Exit), Sven Nordin (the TV series Wisting) and Axel Bøyum (Betrayed [+see also:
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The story begins on 9 April 1940, when German soldiers entered Oslo to seize three targets: the country’s king, government and gold. In just a few chaotic hours, parliamentary secretary Fredrik Haslund (played by Øigarden) assembled an improbable team, consisting of his sister Nini, bank staff, truck drivers and the famous poet Nordahl Grieg, to carry out a highly dangerous, top-secret mission – moving 50 tonnes of gold across the country to reach an Allied shipping convoy.
Commenting on his new role, actor Jon Øigarden said: “I loved my role immediately. This is a man who isn’t a traditional war hero in any way, just a regular politician taking on an enormous task. The film sets itself apart from others in the genre by balancing seriousness with lighter moments, and by telling its story with a glint in the eye.”
Talking about the project’s appeal for Viaplay audiences, NENT Group’s Chief Content Officer Filippa Wallestam added: “How did a diverse group with zero military experience defy an occupation and help shape a nation’s destiny? Gold Run is based on an incredible story with global appeal and will offer drama, tension and even a touch of humour. Viewers around the world can expect our first Norwegian Viaplay Original film to deliver entertainment gold from start to finish.”
Gold Run is being produced by Jørgen Storm Rosenberg and Kjetil Omberg for Oslo-based outfit 74 Entertainment, with Tanya Nanette Badendyck serving as the executive producer for Viaplay. The feature will exclusively premiere on Viaplay in 2022.
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