Max Manus is based on the life of Norwegian freedom fighter bearing the same name, and the resistance movement in Oslo during the Second World War. We follow Max and his Oslo gang as they undertake some of the most daring sabotage attacks during the war.
This is the first time a Norwegian film has selected for a special viewing at the festival, an honour reserved only for a few films. The directors Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg, producer John M. Jakobsen, and actors Aksel Hennie and Ken Duken will all be present at the screening.
The film premiered in 2008 to rave reviews, and has so far been seen by 1.3 million in Norway. The recently released DVD sold 400 000 copies on its first day. Max Manus has so far been sold to over 30 countries, including Great Britain, Germany, China, Australia, Brazil and France, and the screening may secure an even broader international distribution.