NENT Group & Lasse Hallström Join Forces for Hilma

Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT Group) is set to produce two English-language films every year, starting with Hilma, a biopic of the Swedish artist and feminist pioneer Hilma af Klint, written and directed by Lasse Hallström (The Cider House Rules, My Life as a Dog).

Starring Lena Olin as Klint in her later years and in her younger days, Hilma will explore the life of the enigmatic artist whose unconventional art and spirituality meant that her 1,300 works remained largely unknown for decades. The film will premiere exclusively on NENT Group’s Viaplay streaming service in 2022.

Produced by NENT Studios, Hilma has Helena Danielsson on board as producer and Josephine Zapata Genetay as executive producer. One of Sweden’s most celebrated directors, Hallström’s credits include What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Chocolat and The Shipping News.

Hallström commented: “I’ve spent three years trying to understand the mystery of Hilma af Klint. This is a story about an unwavering search for the truth about humanity and the universe, at a time when men made all the rules. Despite so many obstacles, Hilma created art that influences our lives today. My ambition is for the audience to experience these struggles with all their senses.”

Filippa Wallestam, NENT Group’s chief content officer, said: “Hilma af Klint literally changed the way we look at the world. She happens to be Swedish, but her story says something important to audiences everywhere. It’s so special to work with talents of the caliber of Lasse, Lena and Tora, and it’s even better when the project means so much to everyone involved. Hilma and our coming films make NENT Group’s ambitions clear. Nobody in the Nordic region is thinking as big as this.”

Anders Jensen, NENT Group’s president and CEO, said: “The impact that women and men from the small countries in the Nordics have had on the world is nothing less than extraordinary. Many are of course very well known, but others are less known or even almost unknown. We want to share these stories with the world and hopefully find new perspectives that will both enlighten and entertain. In today’s very competitive streaming world it is key to stand out and be relevant. For us, building on who we are, where we come from and what we stand for is a very clear differentiator that will support our vision of becoming the European streaming champion. Today’s news is an amazing stepping stone on that journey.”