Arrow Films has taken UK/Ireland rights to Unknown Soldier from Beta Cinema, to release both the feature film version and a new ’5x50’ TV series of the project.
Aku Louhimies’ war epic, the most expensive Finnish film ever made at an estimated €7m, recently broke the opening weekend record for a local-language film at the Finnish box office.
Adapted from one of Finland’s most popular books, Väinö Linna’s 1954 novel, Unknown Soldier is the story of a platoon of ordinary Finnish soldiers in the battlefield between Finland and the Soviet Union.
The film shot for 80 days, and its release ties into the 100th anniversary of Finland’s independence.
In addition to directing the film as a longtime passion project, Louhimies is now creating five 50-minute episodes for TV from the material. Beta is also handling the series.
Tom Stewart, acquisitions director for Arrow Films, said, “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing both the feature and TV series to the UK & Ireland in 2018 and to be continuing our great relationship with Thorsten Ritter and all the team at Beta. Unknown Solider represents stunning work from Finland which showcases again the sheer quality from Scandinavia and in particular great to see Finland making a real mark internationally.”
Arrow has had past success with the UK release of Nordic TV hits including The Killing, The Bridge, Borgen and Trapped.
Ritter, Beta’s EVP acquisitions, sales & marketing, added, “We are thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with Tom Stewart and Arrow Films, who made Generation War such a success in the UK. I am confident they will thrive with Unknown Soldier. Tom has superb instincts and I‘m glad the first results prove this.“
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