Industry

Girl in Red Film "Low Expectations" Secures European Deals Before Cannes Premiere

Salaud Morisset has finalized major European distribution agreements for Eivind Landsvik's debut feature, "Low Expectations," starring singer-songwriter Girl in Red. The film is set for its world premiere at Directors' Fortnight in Cannes.

Variety Music·May 5, 2026·via Variety Music

Girl in Red Film "Low Expectations" Secures European Deals Before Cannes Premiere

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May 5, 2026 8:57am PT

‘Low Expectations,’ Starring Singer Girl in Red, Sets Key European Deals Ahead of Cannes Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)

By Leo Barraclough

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Leo Barraclough

International Features Editor

LeoBarraclough

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Paris- and Berlin-based international sales company Salaud Morisset has closed key European deals on Eivind Landsvik’s debut feature “Low Expectations,” which stars singer-songwriter Marie Ulven a.k.a. Girl in Red . The film will have its world premiere in Directors’ Fortnight in Cannes.

Among the first wave of buyers, UFO Distribution (“Flow,” “The Chef,” “The Outrun”) has acquired rights for France and Pandora Film Verleih (“Silent Friend,” “Sirât,” “Armand”) has secured Germany and Austria. The film will be distributed in Scandinavia by Nordisk Film Distribution (“Sentimental Value,” “Loveable”).

The Norwegian film follows Maja at the height of her music career as her life begins to fall apart, forcing her to step away from her ambitions. She returns home to live with her mother and takes a part-time job at a local high school, where she works alongside Johannes (Anders Danielsen Lie). Far from the spotlight, wrapped in everyday kindness, she slowly finds her way back to life.

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“Buyers have responded strongly to the film’s resonance with today’s society, its connection to a younger generation, and the growing appeal of Norwegian cinema,” Salaud Morisset said.

Stéphane Auclaire from UFO Distribution said: “We were truly touched by ‘Low Expectations,’ especially by its gentle and deeply human take on mental health, handled with warmth, sensitivity and a refreshing sense of hope.”

Björn Hoffmann from Pandora Film Verleih said, ” ‘Low Expectations’ really captures that in-between phase in your shift from youth to adulthood with honesty and style. It feels intimate, authentic and deeply relatable — finding meaning in small, everyday moments rather than big drama.”

“Following in the footsteps of filmmakers like Joachim Trier and Dag Johan Haugerud, ‘Low Expectations’ signals a new chapter for Norwegian cinema,” said François Morisset. “It captures the emotional landscape of Gen Z with rare precision – a film that is at once intimate, disarmingly funny and profoundly moving – and one we believe has the power to bring multiple generations together in cinemas.”

Produced by Lotte Sandbu and Synnøve Hørsdal for Maipo Film, in co-production with Snowglobe, the film received the support of the Norwegian Film Institute, Oslo Filmfond and the Danish Film Institute as well as Nordisk Film and TV Fond and Eurimages.

The film is scheduled for a Norwegian theatrical release on Sept. 11.

“Low Expectations” marks Landsvik debut feature film after short films such as “Sofia, Last Summer” (2021), which won the Norwegian Film Critics Award, and “Tits” (2023), which premiered in Cannes’ main competition, and screened at 100-plus festivals.