Global content distributor and producer Keshet International is partnering with Elisa to distribute the premium international mystery drama Valhalla Project (Operaatio Valhalla) worldwide.
An Elisa Viihde original series produced by Snapper Films, the mystery thriller is one of 10 scripted series selected by a jury of TV executives for this year’s MIP Drama Showcase – the annual showcase that offers an exclusive early-stage preview of high-end dramas to international TV buyers – on Sunday 7 April.
Valhalla Project explores the concept of parallel dimensions while also investigating relatable themes of humanity, identity, and the limitations of life across 6 episodes. Sara Soulié (Conflict, Hammarskjöld, The Man Who Died) stars as climate researcher Alina Railo, who travels to Finnish Lapland with an international expedition to seek access to a parallel universe with the hopes of finding a solution to the climate crisis – a parallel universe initially researched by her father, who disappeared in Lapland over 30 years ago.
Valhalla Project is a multilanguage drama featuring English, Finnish and Russian dialogue. In addition to starring Soulié in the lead role, the 6×60’ thriller features a stellar cast of internationally recognized actors, including Alistair Brammer (Les Misérables, Medieval), Iben Dorner (Borgen, Thin Ice), Joonas Saartamo (Silence, Utö) and Pääru Oja (Vikings: Valhalla, Cold Courage).
Valhalla Project is filmed in subzero locations in Helsinki, North Karelia and Lapland in Finland. The principal creatives are internationally recognised award-winning filmmakers creator and writer Jari Olavi Rantala (Deadwind, The Unknown Soldier), and director and producer Juha Wuolijoki (King of Los Angeles, Christmas Story, Vinski and the Invisibility Powder).
Commissioned by Elisa and slated to premiere in Finland later this year, Valhalla Project is currently in post-production. Keshet International will officially launch the finished tape and format to market at MIPCOM 2024.
Anke Stoll, KI’s SVP of Acquisitions and Co-productions says, “Having seen a pilot script and a pitch deck, we immediately loved the idea of a mystery drama set between two parallel timelines with a female protagonist at its heart. Valhalla Project’s compelling story arc of a daughter searching for her father, while trying to help solve the climate crisis, crosses the border between two neighbouring countries, giving Valhalla Project strong format potential that we’re hoping to tap into ourselves.”
Ani Korpela, Elisa’s Chief Content Officer, comments, “We have been commissioning original series since 2014, and our series have been sold on international markets. Our series are critically acclaimed and highly successful: we have received numerous nominations and awards in international competitions and festivals over the years. Valhalla Project is a one-of-a-kind addition to our slate, and we are happy for the MIP Drama nomination.”
Kelly Wright, KI’s MD of Distribution adds, “We are delighted to be partnering with Elisa and Snapper Films on this standout mystery thriller with sci-fi elements and a haunting father-daughter story at its heart. It’s an honor to be selected for the MIP Drama Showcase. I can’t wait to share this drama with clients later this year.”
Keshet International and Elisa both have additional dramas selected for the MIP Drama Showcase: Artza Productions’ crime drama Palo Alto (7×60’, format and tape); and Helsinki Films’ thriller Icebreaker respectively.
KI’s current Spring 2024 Slate is headlined by Conflict (6×60’, format and tape), Backmann & Hoderhoff and XYZ Films’ compelling military and political thriller set inside a surprise attack on a neutral country by an unidentified enemy force trying to provoke a wider conflict; alongside Spiro Films’ romantic Israeli drama The Best Worst Thing (8×60’, format and tape); and Movie TV’s 6×60’ Czech spy thriller Extractors (Extraktori) (6×60’, format and tape).
