Opening with true love – The Icelandic romantic comedy OKKAR EIGIN OSLÓ (Our Own Oslo) by Reynir Lyngdal will start off the 60th International Film Festival Mannheim-Heidelberg

The great anniversary edition of the International Film Festival Mannheim-Heidelberg, which is now 60 years old, starts cheerfully and amourously: the romantic comedy OKKAR EIGIN OSLÓ (Our Own Oslo) by newcomer director Reynir Lyngdal marks the official start of the programme of the second-oldest German film festival. The film is an international premiere and therefore the screening in Germany will be the first outside of the producing country of Iceland. It is screened in the International Competition for the Main Award of Mannheim-Heidelberg and thus is one of 15 feature films in competition.
The festival, which has been known for the discovery of directing talents from all over the world for 60 years, once again lets a barely known newcomer director take the stage at the opening: Reynir Lyngdal will personally present his film at the premiere on November 11, 2011 in the cinema tent on the grounds of the Heidelberg Castle. OKKAR EIGIN OSLÓ is only his second full-length feature film. He used to work for Icelandic television before.
About the film
The fact that an Icelandic love story begins in the Norwegian capital of Oslo – of all places – requires some explanation. Harald and Vilborg simply met there for the first time – on a business trip. Harald doesn’t want to believe that it could have been no more than a one night stand and tries to get back in touch with Vilborg in Iceland. They agree to meet at a summer residence in the countryside. Unfortunately, a few strange family members join them. How is the previously blossomed love supposed to prevail? The curtain rises for a not entirely ordinary comedy.

The 60th International Film Festival Mannheim-Heidelberg will take place from 10 – 20 November 2011. The official opening of the programme will be on November 11 in Heidelberg. In the two main sets of screenings, the International Competition and the International Discoveries, as well as the additional set with special screenings of current films, a total of 39 films by newcomer directors will be shown.