‘Low Expectations,’ Starring Singer Girl in Red, Sets Key European Deals Ahead of Cannes Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)

The Paris and Berlin-based sales agency Salaud Morisset has successfully closed a significant wave of European distribution agreements for "Low Expectations," the debut feature from director Eivind Landsvik. The film is set to make its world premiere in the prestigious Directors' Fortnight section at the Cannes Film Festival, a platform historically known for launching the careers of emerging filmmakers—past selections include Sean Baker's "The Florida Project" and Dee Rees' "Mudbound," both of which went on to achieve substantial critical and commercial success. Starring in the lead role is Marie Ulven, the Norwegian singer-songwriter widely recognized by her stage name Girl in Red. Ulven, whose 2020 album "If I Could Make It Go Quiet" earned her a devoted global following and widespread critical praise, steps into a new creative challenge with this acting debut.

Among the first buyers to secure rights is UFO Distribution, the French company behind notable releases such as "Flow," "The Chef," and "The Outrun," which will handle the film's theatrical rollout in France. Meanwhile, Pandora Film Verleih—known for distributing "Silent Friend," "Sirât," and "Armand"—has acquired the rights for Germany and Austria. In Scandinavia, Nordisk Film Distribution, the distributor of "Sentimental Value" and "Loveable," will oversee the film's release across the region. The plot of "Low Expectations" follows Maja, a musician at the height of her career whose personal life begins to unravel under the pressure. Forced to step away from her ambitions, she returns to her childhood home to live with her mother and takes on a part-time job at a local high school. There, she works alongside Johannes, played by Anders Danielsen Lie—an actor best known for his collaborations with Joachim Trier in films like "Oslo, August 31st" and "The Worst Person in the World." Lie, who balances his acting career with his work as a physician, brings a layered authenticity to the role that mirrors his own unconventional path. Away from the glare of fame and surrounded by simple, everyday kindness, Maja gradually rediscovers a sense of purpose.

Industry observers note that the film's strong presale performance reflects a broader surge in international interest in Norwegian cinema, which has gained momentum following the global success of Trier's "The Worst Person in the World" and Dag Johan Haugerud's "Sex" trilogy. "The overwhelming response from buyers underscores the film's deep resonance with contemporary society, especially among younger audiences," a spokesperson for Salaud Morisset stated. Stéphane Auclaire of UFO Distribution elaborated: "We were genuinely moved by 'Low Expectations,' particularly its tender and deeply human portrayal of mental health. The film approaches this delicate subject with warmth, sensitivity, and a refreshing sense of hope." Björn Hoffmann from Pandora Film Verleih added: "This film perfectly captures that transitional phase from youth to adulthood with both honesty and style. It feels intimate, authentic, and highly relatable, finding meaning in life's small, everyday moments rather than through grand drama." François Morisset of Salaud Morisset commented: "Following in the footsteps of filmmakers like Joachim Trier and Dag Johan Haugerud, 'Low Expectations' marks a new chapter for Norwegian filmmaking. It captures the emotional landscape of Gen Z with rare precision—a work that is intimate, disarmingly funny, and profoundly moving. We believe it has the power to bring multiple generations together in theaters."

Produced by Lotte Sandbu and Synnøve Hørsdal for Maipo Film, in co-production with Snowglobe, the project has received backing from the Norwegian Film Institute, Oslo Filmfond, the Danish Film Institute, as well as Nordisk Film and TV Fond and Eurimages. "Low Expectations" is slated for a theatrical release in Norway on September 11. This marks Landsvik's first feature-length film, following his successful short films such as "Sofia, Last Summer" (2021), which won the Norwegian Film Critics Award, and "Tits" (2023), which premiered in Cannes' main competition and was screened at over 100 festivals worldwide. Landsvik's transition from shorts to features is seen as a natural progression, with many critics noting his ability to craft intimate, character-driven stories that resonate across borders. The film's Cannes premiere is expected to generate further international interest, potentially opening doors for additional distribution deals in territories such as the UK, Italy, and Asia.