Viaplay develops Norwegian politician Abid Raja’s ‘My Fault’ as drama

Filippa Wallestam

Viaplay has started development on the bestselling autobiography by Norwegian politician and former minister Abid Raja.

My Fault is being developed by The Global Ensemble Drama and has director Per-Olav Sørensen (Quicksand) attached, alongside scriptwriter Odd-Magnus Williamson (Nothing to Laugh About).

Raja is currently second deputy leader of Norway’s Liberal Party and served as the country’s Minister of Culture, Sports & Equality from January 2020 to October 2021. He was Vice President of the Storting, the Norwegian parliament, between 2017 and 2020, becoming only the second Muslim to hold the office in the country’s history.

Raja said: “Culture has the power to move, and to inspire reflection and change. I have the greatest trust in Odd-Magnus Williamson as a screenwriter and Per-Olav Sørensen as a director. I hope that my openness can help more people to talk about their difficulties and get rid of the guilt and shame that we all carry. I hope we can silence that negative voice inside us.”

Filippa Wallestam, Viaplay Group chief content officer, added: “Abid Raja’s personal story is remarkable. One of Norway’s most famous political figures, his advocacy on vital topics such as civil rights, tolerance and religious freedom is increasingly attracting international attention. This adaptation of 2021’s number one book in Norway by two of the country’s biggest creative stars has the potential to make a deep impression on Viaplay audiences everywhere.”

The series is produced by Janne Hjeltnes and Ingrid Skagestad at The Global Ensemble Drama, with Kari Moen Kristiansen as executive producer for Viaplay.