NORTHERN LIGHTS, SOUTHERN STORIES

Written By Jesper Isaksen

LATIN AMERICAN FILMS

The NORTHEN LIGHTS, SOUTHERN STORIES program out of competition showcases the cinematic connection between Scandinavia and Latin America that reflects shared themes of culture, storytelling, and artistic exploration. Scandinavian cinema, known for its contemplative storytelling and innovative techniques, resonates with Latin American filmmakers who draw from a rich tapestry of history and cultural diversity.

Latin American cinema frequently grapples with social realities, illustrating the complexities of life in a continent deeply marked by conflict, while Scandinavian films often approach similar themes from a more introspective angle, examining personal and societal struggles.

Copenhagen Headliner Film Festival will support the cinematic relationship between Scandinavia and Latin America to give filmmakers the opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate their differences, and find common ground.

Jesper Isaksen

Jesper Isaksen is a talented director based in Copenhagen, Denmark. His first short NIMA (16 min.) a homemade low budget gangster tale from the streets of Copenhagen was shown at Danish National Television.

Another short gangster tale NO EXIT (12. min) was selected semifinalist out of more than 15.000 short films in the global "YourFilmFestival" conducted by Ridley & Tony Scott and Michael Fassbender. The first prize was 500.000 USD. NO EXIT went on to participate in the biggest and most prestigious short film festival in Denmark "EKKO SHORTLIST" and went straight to the top 10 and stayed there for 11 consecutive weeks straight.

The sequel, NO EXIT 2 - RISE AGAINST, also participated in "EKKO SHORTLIST" with a 1st place as the highest ranking. It went on to roam the top 10 in 13 consecutive weeks straight. NO EXIT 2 was later nominated in two categories "The Shortlist Award" and also "The Audience Award" at EKKO Award Show 2014.

The short film comedy THE VISITOR premiered at Orlando Film festival in 2018 and also received a nomination for "Best Foreign Language Short Film". In 2019 it got selected as part of the Official Selection at the BAFTA-qualifying Aesthetica Short Film Festival and also won the "Best Comedy" award at Annual Aarhus Film Festival. It later roamed the top 10 at EKKO Shortlist 2019/2020 with a 1st place as the highest ranking.

In the fall of 2019 Jesper finished his first feature film VICTIM OF LOVE, a dense psychological and bloody yet stylish horror-thriller starring Danish powerhouse actor Rudi Køhnke. It premiered Saturday the 16th of November 2019 at the biggest feature film festival in Denmark, CPH PIX. It also received a Robert nomination by the Danish Film Academy for "Best Original Song" by Julian Winding at The Danish Film Awards 2020. Robert is equivalent to the American Oscar, the French César and the British BAFTA.

VICTIM OF LOVE has had a pretty strong festival run earning 19 wins and 33 nominations so far. It will continue its festival run in 2021 and hopefully reach even more awesome festivals and horror and genre audiences across the world.

VICTIM OF LOVE is being distributed by Another World Entertainment in Denmark and Indican Pictures & Lionsgate worldwide.

Jesper has also directed more than 20 music videos.

http://www.jesperisaksen.com
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