Iceland-based producers Sara Nassim (Lamb) and Grimar Jonsson (Rams) are joining forces with a new production outfit, Sarimar Films.
Each will continue to run their own independent production companies as well, for projects outside the new partnership – Nassim at S101 (which she runs alongside Hronn Kristinsdottir) and Jonsson at Netop Films. They will decide project-by-project what films should be produced by Sarimar.
They stated: “Our philosophy is rather simple: Together we stand strong, and in this manner form an umbrella for the companies and projects we are currently working on together and individually.” Sarimar Films, is more than a company. It’s a movement. We want to continue our collaboration with professionals who we value. We want to better activate our extensive network, domestically and abroad, for the benefit of our projects and to build on our experience in development, financing, and production of filmed content.”
The first project they will collaborate on is Rams director Grimur Hakonarson’s 200 Kopavogur.
The 1960s-set story is about two brothers who are some of the first inhabitants of a new suburban town in Iceland. The older, married brother is infertile and asks his younger brother to impregnate his wife, while the three are living under the same roof.
200 Kopavogur has already had script grants from the Icelandic Film Centre and will be looking to add more co-producers soon, for a shoot starting in late summer 2025 and continuing that winter.
Nassim said: “It’s really a coming-of-age story about the younger brother. It shows male vulnerability, which is something that an international audience can relate to. It also has an auteur feel. It was the most mature first-draft script I’ve ever read.”
Jonsson’s Netop is currently preparing to start shooting The Fires in September as Ugla Hjauksdottir’s debut feature after her TV credits including
The Power and Hanna.That story, written by Hauksdottir and Markus Englmair adapting the bestselling novel of the same name by Sigridur Hagalin, is about Anna, Iceland’s top volcanologist, who faces two catastrophes at once: a volcanic eruption that threatens the safety of the capital city and a love affair that could destroy her marriage. Jonsson has been working with the director to develop the film over the past three years.Klaudia Smieja-Rostworowska from Poland’s Madants is on board as a producer, re-teaming with Jonsson after Under The Tree
. Bankside Films handles international sales and will co-rep North American rights with Anonymous Content.
Nassim’s S101 is in post-production on Bjork’s feature film project Cornucopia alongside developing
Lamb director Valdimar Johannsson’s new project.Nassim is an EFP Producer on the Move at Cannes this year. Both Nassim and Jonsson will be in Cannes taking meetings.Major market projects at Cannes 2024 – latest updates
