Keshet International picks up Finnish thriller ‘Valhalla Project’ ahead of MIP Drama Showcase

Valhalla Project (Source: Keshet International)

Keshet International has acquired global distribution rights to Elisa Viihde original series Valhalla Project (aka Operaatio Valhalla).

Produced by Snapper Films, the 6 x 60-minute mystery thriller is multi-language scripted show featuring English, Finnish and Russian dialogue.

Commissioned by Elisa and slated to premiere in Finland later this year, Valhalla Project is currently in post-production. Keshet International will launch the finished tape and format to market at MIPCOM 2024.

The series stars Sara Soulié (Conflict, The Man Who Died) as climate researcher Alina Railo, who travels to Finnish Lapland with an international expedition to seek access to a parallel universe with the hopes of finding a solution to the climate crisis – a parallel universe initially researched by her father, who disappeared in Lapland over 30 years ago.

The international cast also includes Alistair Brammer (Les Misérables, Medieval), Iben Dorner (Borgen, Thin Ice), Joonas Saartamo (Silence, Utö) and Pääru Oja (Vikings: Valhalla, Cold Courage).

Valhalla Project is one of 10 scripted series selected for this year’s MIP Drama Showcase – the annual showcase that offers an exclusive early-stage preview of high-end dramas to international TV buyers – on Sunday 7 April.

Anke Stoll, Kesher International’s SVP of acquisitions and co-productions, said “Having seen a pilot script and a pitch deck, we immediately loved the idea of a mystery drama set between two parallel timelines with a female protagonist at its heart.

“Valhalla Project’s compelling story arc of a daughter searching for her father, while trying to help solve the climate crisis, crosses the border between two neighbouring countries, giving Valhalla Project strong format potential that we’re hoping to tap into ourselves.”