As part of a move to shine a spotlight on Nordic TV drama, the Norwegian International Film Festival in Haugesund (19–25 August 2017) will premiere the second seasons of Occupied (Okkupert) and Norsemen (Vikingane).

21st August will see the premiere of the first two episodes of Occupied season two, which will be attended by director Erik Skjoldbjærg, along with actors Henrik Mestad, Janne Heltberg and Eldar Skar.

The first season showed how a European energy crisis ensued when Norway ended the production of gas and oil, leading to an EU backed Russian invasion. The occupation continues in season two, but the political situation is exacerbated by EU inaction, and the USA has a president who is only interested in protecting his own.

On 23rd August the first two episodes of Norsemen season two will be shown, said to be a cross between Monty Python and Game Of Thrones, which depicts everyday life in the village of Norheim in the year 790. It was simultaneously filmed in both Norwegian and English, and the first season will air on Netflix from late July 2017.

Festival and Programme Director Tonje Hardersen said: “Norwegian TV series are doing well both at home and abroad. In addition to Norway’s excellent movie theatre scene, they have become an import part of the film landscape.”