‘Safe House’: A Preview of the New Norwegian Suspense Drama

Based on the real-life story of Norwegian field worker Lindis Hurum‘s dramatic experience in the Central African Republic, the production of the new Norwegian feature film ‘Safe House‘ (original title: ‘Den fremmede’) is nearing its completion.

The story revolves around a highly dramatic event at Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) field hospital in Bangui on Christmas eve 2013. This event, as described in Lindis Hurum’s autobiographical book ‘Det finnes ingen de andre – det er bare oss’, serves as the central narrative for the film:

“Linn (35) leads a team of aid workers working tirelessly to save lives in a temporary field hospital outside the massive refugee camp. Suddenly, a desperate man rushes into the clinic. He is a Muslim, and it is clear that he is persecuted and in mortal danger. Everyone holds their breath.

Outside, the crowd grows, and the Christian militia demands the Muslim be handed over and killed. Linn is responsible for security. Now she must act quickly. Despite the risk to herself and the rest of the team, Linn decides to follow her conscience, even as she brutally grapples with the question of how much a human life is worth.”

Starring Kristine Kujath Torp (‘Sick of Myself’, ‘The Promised Land’, ‘Ninjababy’) in the lead role as Lindis Hurum, the film boasts an international cast featuring Bibi Tanga, Alexander Karim, Mattis Herman Nyquist, Tracy Gotoas, and Alma Pöysti.

“This is not primarily my story, I am not important here: yes, it is a film based on something my team and I experienced, but it represents dilemmas that everyone working in war and crises faces. In Doctors Without Borders, we focus on the forgotten crises – and now a large audience will become acquainted with this beautiful country where strong, but severely tested people live. I would be very happy if this film could contribute to highlighting them in a way they deserve. I am excited about the outcome, but after many good discussions and close collaboration with Eirik and Fantefilm, I have faith that they will handle the story respectfully. I am especially pleased that they have chosen an international cast with several lead roles filled by Central African actors.”

Lindis Hurum, Author / Secretary General of the Norwegian branch of Doctors Without Borders

‘Safe House’ is written by Harald Rosenløw-Eeg and Lars Gudmestad, two prolific and highly acclaimed Norwegian screenwriters known for their work on titles such as ‘The Arctic Convoy, The King’s Choice, The Wave, ‘Betrayed’, ‘Headhunters’, among numerous others.

Eirik Svensson helms the director’s chair for ‘Safe House’. His previous works include films such as ‘Betrayed’, ‘Harajuku’, and ‘One Night in Oslo’.

“What an incredibly powerful project to be a part of as a director! In a time where we often wonder if all decency, dignity, and humanity are being completely erased, this feels even more meaningful. This compelling story is simultaneously tight, concentrated, and complex. Throughout, I’ve strived for closeness, tension, and realism in the way we tell this on film, and I feel extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated, cohesive, and brilliant cast on board. This film project has deeply engaged me from the very beginning, something I hope will also resonate with the audience.”

Eirik Svensson, Director

Norwegian powerhouse Fantefilm Fiksjon is the production company behind ‘Safe House’ led by producers Catrin Gundersen and Hugo Hageman Føsker. Fantefilm’s track record includes successful titles like ‘The Arctic Convoy’, ‘Betrayed’, ‘The Quake’, and ‘The Wave’.

Co-produced by Film i Väst, Cinenic Film, ReelMedia, and Nordisk Film. Local distribution is handled by Nordisk Film Distribusjon, and internationally by TrustNordisk. The expected release for ‘Safe House’ is in February 2025.

Source: Nordisk Film Norge Photo credits: Graham Bartholomew/Fantefilm Fiksjon