Twentyone Pictures Unveils Strategic Transformation and Expanding Director-Driven Slate
Founded in 2000 by Norwegian filmmaker Ellen Ugelstad, Twentyone Pictures has recently undergone a significant strategic transformation. What began as a company primarily devoted to developing Ugelstad’s own projects has now evolved into a director‑driven production outfit working with both emerging and established filmmakers. As part of this expansion, Twentyone Pictures has appointed Jonas Bruun as producer, thereby strengthening the company’s creative and operational capacity.
At New Nordic Films in Haugesund, Ugelstad and Bruun will discuss the company’s strategic shift and offer an exclusive preview of Twentyone Pictures’ emerging slate, including two titles selected for the event.
"As a female director in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I wanted to take greater ownership of how films are developed, produced and brought into the world. What began as a way of securing that freedom for my own work has gradually evolved into a company that can offer the same sense of possibility to other filmmakers" Ellen Ugelstad
Today, Twentyone Pictures is built around a clear mission: to champion artistic innovation, hybrid storytelling and forward‑thinking production models. The company focuses on creating culturally, politically and artistically resonant audiovisual works designed to travel across multiple international platforms.
Its fiction and documentary slate features projects that expand the boundaries of cinematic expression while engaging with contemporary social issues. Each film bears a distinct personal signature, with the director’s vision guiding how it reaches its audience and the most effective distribution channels.
Twentyone Pictures, as Ugelstad points out, grew out of both ambition and frustration. “As a female director in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I wanted to take greater ownership of how films are developed, produced and brought into the world. What began as a way of securing that freedom for my own work has gradually evolved into a company that can offer the same sense of possibility to other filmmakers. It is important that the original impulse remains: to create more space for artistic independence, different perspectives and new ways of working,” she explains.
"The filmmakers we work with know that we understand what directing entails and that we will champion and protect the artistic vision of each project" Jonas Bruun
This director‑driven approach allows Twentyone Pictures to position each project precisely, reaching the audiences and markets where it will have the greatest impact.
"Many companies describe themselves as ‘director-driven’,” says Bruun, “but at Twentyone Pictures, with Ellen as a director-producer at the helm, it is embedded in how the company operates. The filmmakers we work with know that we understand what directing entails and that we will champion and protect the artistic vision of each project. That gives both confidence and creative security, and it is one of the main reasons I am so happy to join the company.”
“Bringing Jonas on board marks an important step in that development,” adds Ugelstad. “Together we can build a stronger and more collaborative company while preserving the independence and close creative relationships that shape Twentyone Pictures.”
As a company, Twentyone Pictures is committed to being a reliable and ambitious co‑production partner, building long‑term, sustainable relationships across borders. The goal is simple: to make films that travel, resonate and contribute meaningfully to the international conversation.
TWENTYONE PICTURES’S LINE-UP
MAJORITY PRODUCTIONS
- ACTS OF KINDNESS by Ellen Ugelstad (drama)*
ETA 2028 / In co-production with Mantra Film / Lofoten Film Collective / Supported by the Norwegian Film Institute, Nye Veier, Filmkraft Rogaland, Arctic Film Norway, Filmskapere, Amarcord
- THE HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE by Lene Berg (hybrid)*
ETA 2027 / In co-production with Story (SE), Alma Bang (DE) / Supported by the Norwegian Film Institute, Arts Council Norway The Audio and Visual Fund, ARTE, Fritt Ord, Viken Filmsenter, Amarcord
- SOCIETY by Thomas Østbye (documentary)
ETA 2028 / Supported by the Norwegian Film Institute, The Bergesen Foundation, Arts Council Norway The Audio and Visual Fund, Fritt Ord, Viken Filmsenter
- ONE BROTHER TOO MANY by Tove Undheim (family)
ETA 2029 / In co-production with Heimathafen Film (DE), Flinck Film (NL) / Supported by the Norwegian Film Institute
- ALL THAT FLOATS WITH RAIN by Ellen Ugelstad (rockumentary)
ETA: 2029 / In co-production with Highasakite (SE), Amarcord
CO-PRODUCTIONS (A-Z)
- LIBERTINAS by Leslie Ortiz
ETA 2028 / Co-produced by Twentyone Pictures
- LOOKING BACK AT LOVE by Carl Javér
ETA 2028 / Vilda Bomben, in co-production with Twentyone Pictures
*selected for New Nordic Films (Haugesund)
portraits/headshots: © Twentyone Pictures
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON TWENTYONE PICTURES
Christian De Schutter
