First Norwegian Rising Star in Toronto

Josefine Frida, currently best known as Noora in Skam, is, through her role in Disco, the first Norwegian actor to be invited to TIFF’s Rising Stars program, and in 2019 the only European Rising Stars.

Now in its ninth year, the TIFF Rising Stars is a program that selects new talent every year from a new generation of actors with the potential for international success.

Eight Rising Stars at TIFF 2019 
TIFF Co-Heads Cameron Bailey and Joana Vicente announced this week the lineup of international TIFF Rising Stars: Chino Darín, Geraldine Viswanathan, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Josefine Frida. They will join the previously announced Canadian TIFF Rising Stars, Kacey Rohl, Mikhaïl Ahooja, Nahéma Ricci, and Shamier Anderson.

“These are on the verge of making big waves on the international stage,” said Bailey, Artistic Director and Co-Head of TIFF. “We can’t wait for Toronto audiences to witness their breakout performances at this year’s Festival.”

Exclusive opportunity 
The TIFF Rising Stars programme will provide the actors with an exclusive opportunity to experience and engage with the Festival. They will have access to professional development sessions, Industry events, red carpets, mentorship, and valuable networking opportunities.

Josefine Frida is the first Norwegian Rising Star 
-This is the first time a Norwegian actor has been invited into this prestigious program and is a unique opportunity for Josefine Frida to become known to the film industry from all over the world, says Stine Oppegaard, manager international relations feature films at the Norwegian Film Institute.

Known from Skam 
Josefine Frida, known from the Norwegian drama series Skam, plays against Nicolai Cleve Broch, Kjærsti Odden Skjeldal, Espen Klouman Høiner and Andrea Bræin Hovig.

-I feel the dream will always be to meet a director, read a script or find a character in which you feel you can sacrifice everything - that time stands still. It was hard to get into, both physically and mentally, but I felt very safe all the way and could go in with all of me, says Josefine Frida about her role in Disco.

About Disco 
On the surface, everything seems perfect. Mirjam (19) is the stepdaughter of the charismatic pastor of an evangelical group. As a world champion in disco freestyle dancing, she is the pride of the church, but whilst defending her world title, she collapses on stage. This makes her start to question her faith. Disco is produced by Maria Ekerhovd for Mer Film, while New Europe Film Sales is the international sales agent. Disco will hit the Norwegian cinemas on October 4th.
 
Two Norwegian World Premieres on Saturday September 7 
Disco, starring Josefine Frida, written and directed by Jorunn Myklebust Syversen is invited for the Discovery program. Director/screenwriter Maria Sødahl's Hope will also appear in the Discovery program. The film starring Andrea Bræin Hovig and Stellan Skarsgård is produced by Thomas Robsahm for Motlys and international sales is handled TrustNordisk. Directors, producers and actors will be present at TIFF.

Read more about Disco, Hope, International Rising Stars and Canadian Rising Stars

TIFF Rising Stars 2019

From top, left: Chino Darín, Geraldine Viswanathan, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Josefine Frida
From bottom, left: Kacey Rohl, Mikhaïl Ahooja , Nahéma Ricci, and Shamier Anderson. Photos: TIFF