29/09/2021 - The Norwegian dramedy series follows four men who move to a farm in the countryside and end up as the founders of the country’s first halal cheesemaking business

A new Norwegian dramedy series, Countrymen, will soon take part in the main competition of Canneseries (8-13 October). The production, created by award-winning writer-director Izer Aliu (Hunting Flies [+see also:
trailer
interview: Izer Aliu
film profile]) and Anne Bjørnstad (the TV series Lilyhammer), and directed by the duo alongside Brwa Vahabpour, revolves around four men with dubious plans who move to a farm in the countryside. More or less against their will, they end up as the founders of Norway’s first halal cheesemaking business.

The lead actors are Nader Khademi (Ninjababy [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Kristine Kujath Thorp
interview: Yngvild Sve Flikke
film profile], the TV series Beforeigners and Witch Hunt), Ayaz Hussain (the TV series Kasim Bæder and Hotel Cæsar), Jonas Strand Gravli (the TV series Ragnarok [+see also:
series review
series profile] and Wisting, the drama 22 July [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile]), Arben Bala (the TV series Exit and Lilyhammer) and newcomer Erika Strand Mamelund. Łukasz Zamaro served as the series’ cinematographer.

Commenting on the project, showrunner and Rubicon’s creative director, Anne Bjørnstad, said: “This metaphorical concept will get people talking here in Norway and will also resonate with global audiences. This high-quality series has been elevated by Izer Aliu writing and directing, and we are proud to create characters that are so brilliantly portrayed with warmth and humour by our cast.”

Countrymen was produced by Norwegian studio Rubicon. Banijay Rights is in charge of its distribution. The series will be screened by the main Nordic pubcasters and by ARTE in France and Germany.