We are delighted to announce that Zürich Film Festival has unveiled this year’s line-up, and the suspense drama BIRTHDAY GIRL by Michael Noer has been selected as a Gala Premiere, where it will have its World Premiere (28 September – 8 October 2023).
Copenhagen, 17 August 2023 – BIRTHDAY GIRL has been officially selected for the 19th edition of Zürich Film Festival as a Gala Premiere. BIRTHDAY GIRL is a thrilling suspense drama set on a cruise ship where a mother seeks justice for the wrongdoing of her daughter.
Renowned director Michael Noer is behind films such as R (2010), BEFORE THE FROST (2018), NORTWEST (2013) and the international film PAPILLON (2017), a remake of Franklin J. Scaffner's classic from 1973, which featured Charlie Hunnam and academy award-winner Rami Malek. Michael Noer has previously toured international film festivals Rotterdam, Göteborg, Chicago, Tokyo, and is now returning to Zürich Film Festival, with BIRTHDAY GIRL, where he was last time nominated for best international feature film with R (2010).
Director Michael Noer comments on the selection:
"I’m honored that BIRTHDAY GIRL will have its world premiere at the Zurich Film Festival 2023 as a Gala Premiere. We look so much forward for the audience to experience all the blood and tears we have put into making this story about a mom and a daughter reuniting under the most excruciating circumstances at high sea on a huge cruise ship. All aboard!"
Starring internationally praised actors
The feature stars a remarkable cast, led by Berlin Silver Bear-winning Danish actress Trine Dyrholm (QUEEN OF HEARTS, 2019; IN A BETTER WORLD, 2010) alongside San Sebastián Silver Seashell-winner Flora Ofelia Hofmann Lindahl (AS IN HEAVEN, 2021; CRY WOLF, 2020) and Norwegian SHAME-darling Herman Tømmeraas (RAGNAROK, 2020-2021; SHAME, 2015-17).
Synopsis
The 42-year-old Nanna has invited her daughter Cille and her best friend on a cruise to celebrate Cille's 18th birthday. The expectations are high, and they have big plans set for the days on board the cruise. But on the first evening, the dream vacation turns into a nightmare, and Nanna realizes that in order to get justice, she must take matters into her own hands.
The feature is an intense suspense drama about a mother's persevering quest for justice.
BIRTHDAY GIRL is directed by Michael Noer, written by Michael Noer & Jesper Fink and produced by René Ezra & Matilda Appelin for Nordisk Film Production A/S with support from the Danish Film Institute, the Norwegian Film Institute and Nordisk Film & TV Fond. Local distribution by Nordisk Film Distribution. International sales handled by TrustNordisk.
BIRTHDAY GIRL will release locally on 4 April 2024.
Screening link will soon be available for interested buyers.