Norwegian filmmaker Nataša Urban’s latest project has secured a major production partner as it moves toward completion. Manifest Film, a Romanian production company, has joined forces to co-produce “Vagina Dentata,” a genre film that examines motherhood and postpartum mental health through horror and dark comedy elements. The project, produced by Ingvil Giske at the Norwegian company Medieoperatørene, is currently 60% financed, with substantial support from the Norwegian Film Institute.
Urban, whose previous work “The Eclipse” earned top recognition at CPH:DOX in 2022, conceived the film based on her personal transition to parenthood. She described experiencing a stark disconnect between societal narratives about motherhood and the psychological challenges she faced, which inspired the project’s exploration of fear and vulnerability. The production will feature Dana Bunescu as editor, a Romanian professional whose previous work includes collaborations with acclaimed directors such as Cristian Mungiu and Alexander Nanau on Oscar-nominated productions.
The film is being pitched this week at the Nordic Co-Production Market during the Norwegian International Film Festival in Haugesund. Production team members are actively seeking additional co-production partnerships from France, Germany, and Hungary, along with further financing and distribution agreements. The market appearance represents a strategic opportunity to finalize the remaining budget and expand the project’s European collaborative structure before principal photography begins.
Originally reported by Variety →
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