If the wider film industry has struggled with tight budgets and low box office takings in the last year, Norway has nothing to worry about. For the first time in 36 years Norwegian-produced films have approached a 25% share of the country's market, as well as starting to make an impression overseas.
One of the big hits of last year - in more ways than one - was Troll Hunter, which started out small with a budget of just 20M krøner (about £2M) and went on to be a big international hit. It also proved popular on the festival circuit. And sophisticate crime drama Headhunters, which is due to open in the UK in April, also proved a major success at the box office.
The credit for Norway's success goes to its enhanced system of public subsidies, which are paying off well so far in terms of increased tax revenue. It released 40 films last year and is planning to aim for a similar number in 2012.
