Veteran Icelandic producer Hlín Jóhannsdóttir of Ursus Parvus has partnered with French-U.K. sales outfit Alief on the coming-of-age film “Just a Kid,” a debut feature directed by writer-director Vala Ómarsdóttir. The project will be presented at New Nordic Films’ Works in Progress showcase at the Haugesund festival on Aug. 27. Jóhannsdóttir has built a career supporting debut features from emerging female filmmakers, with prior successes including “Quake” by Tinna Hrafnsdóttir, which sold to more than 20 territories.
“Just a Kid” centers on 16-year-old Júlía, who has relocated from Norway to Iceland and navigates the dual challenges of caring for her younger sister while adjusting to a new school environment. After connecting with a charismatic classmate and becoming involved with the school newspaper, Júlía begins to develop her voice. However, following a traumatic incident, she must confront issues of shame, family obligations, and the courage required to share her personal narrative. Estonian producer Marianne Ostrat of Alexandra Film, known for the Sundance-winning “Smoke Sauna Sisterhood,” serves as a co-producer.
Ómarsdóttir conceived the project while expecting her second daughter, motivated by reflections on the mother-daughter relationship during the teenage years. She conducted research on contemporary adolescence and employed rehearsal-driven sessions with her young cast to develop authentic storytelling from their perspectives. Alief partner Miguel Govea stated that rehearsal footage and proof of concept demonstrated the collaborative magic between Jóhannsdóttir and Ómarsdóttir, describing the film as a tender exploration of teen experiences with a compelling ensemble cast.
At Haugesund, Jóhannsdóttir will also present “At the End of the Road,” reuniting her with director Hilmar Oddsson and actor Þröstur Leó Gunnarsson from the Tallinn Grand Prix-winning “Driving Mum.” The film explores an unconventional friendship between a geriatrician and a psychiatrist against the backdrop of Alzheimer’s disease, incorporating dark humor. Jóhannsdóttir noted that both Icelandic projects are the only selections from Iceland for the New Nordic Films showcase, attributing industry challenges to Iceland’s difficult funding environment.
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