International sales company Rise and Shine has acquired the Norwegian documentary In Cod We Trust, directed by Guro Bjarak. The film will be submitted to the Newcomer’s Competition at the Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival.
“In Cod We Trust” was filmed in Bodsfjord, a fishing port where “cod is more important than God,” Bjarke told Variety. “This is a place where most people have things that they have already lost: safety, trust, curiosity, freedom, and where most people still have an open heart.”
Bijak added: “‘In Cod We Trust’ is a portrait of a village and a meditation on home and belonging. It reveals that the coldest places on earth are home to some of the warmest and funniest people.”
“There are many countries where fisheries face the same or similar challenges due to overfishing and climate change. We see great potential there,” said Anja Jelske, co-founder of Berlin-based Rise and Shine.
She added that In Cod We Trust has a “beautiful, uplifting sense of humor” and that the film “can speak to many countries.”
Gelsuk added, “It was the first time I saw Gro pitch this project in 2022, and she did it with incredible enthusiasm. Her passion was contagious and I immediately felt I had to be a part of this project. What really drew me in was the warmth, humor, and unique atmosphere that exists in this remote fishing village.”
The film is produced by Benedikte Bredesen of Norway’s F(X) Productions. It was co-produced by Pasi Hakkio of Finland’s Wacky Thai Films.
The winners of Thessaloniki’s Newcomer Competition will be eligible to compete for the Oscar Award for Best Documentary.
