Uno, the feature directing debut fromNorway's most prolific young actor Aksel Hennie, has been selected as theopening film for the upcoming Norwegian International Film Festival inHaugesund.

Hennie, who has starred in a number of recent filmsincluding Jonny Vang and Buddy, also wrote the script and starsin Uno, which is described as a tough drama about taking responsibilityfor your own life.

The film follows the 25 year-old David (Hennie), who worksand pumps iron in a local gym, while dealing with a terminally ill father, ahandicapped brother and a absent-minded mother. When he lands in jail at thesame time as his father is committed to hospital, he has to choose betweencovering for a friend and saying goodbye to his father. Uno is producedby Tordenfilm.

The festival, which runs from Aug20-27, has a long traditionof opening with local films, but this year the autumn is packed with no lessthan nine new home made films. "The film is so far the high point in theexiting generational change which flourishes in Norwegian film," says head ofprogramming Haakon Skogrand. "Aksel Hennie delivers a tour de force with thisfilm."

The festival's annual mini market New Nordic Films unfoldsfrom Aug20-23.