Norwegian Film Producer Yngve Sæther Teams Up with Rising Star Johan Fasting for New Comedy-Drama "How to Steal a Bike"
Renowned producer Yngve Sæther, a key figure at Norway’s acclaimed film company Motlys, is set to showcase his latest project at Haugesund’s New Nordic Film Market. Known for his work on Joachim Trier’s critically acclaimed “Oslo, August 31st” and the award-winning trilogy “Sex-Love-Dreams” directed by Dag Johan Haugerud, Sæther is partnering with emerging talent Johan Fasting for his directorial debut, “How to Steal a Bike.” The film, currently in early development, will be pitched at the Nordic Co-Production Market on August 20.
Johan Fasting, an established writer and showrunner recognized for the European Film Award-winning comedy “Ninjababy” and the successful series “Home Ground,” is stepping into feature filmmaking with this engaging comedy-drama. The story follows a young outcast named Hedda, who turns to bicycle theft as a means of survival in Oslo. After a botched first attempt, she finds herself rescued by Pål, a notorious bike thief, who takes her under his wing and teaches her the ins and outs of his trade.
Fasting shares that discussions about bicycle theft often elicit strong reactions, with many expressing outrage towards thieves. He believes that cinema serves as an "empathy machine," offering viewers a deeper understanding of the reasons behind criminal behavior. “How to Steal a Bike” aims to capture the essence of community and sentimentality reminiscent of “Home Ground,” while incorporating the rebellious spirit seen in “Power Play.” Fasting emphasizes the importance of allowing visual storytelling—like the frost on lips or a kettle clicking off—to carry as much weight as dialogue and action.
Yngve Sæther notes the unique storytelling abilities both Fasting and Haugerud possess, blending depth with humor. “Anyone who has ever had a bike stolen will relate to this story. I’ve had three stolen myself, which is incredibly frustrating. However, in this film, Johan will delve deep into the psyche of a bicycle thief. It’s a poetic and emotional exploration of an outsider finding their place in a wealthy Oslo community,” says Sæther.
The film draws inspiration from classics like Vittorio de Sica’s “The Bicycle Thief” and the works of Tsai Ming-Liang. With a budget of $2.5 million, “How to Steal a Bike” has already received development support from the Norwegian Film Institute and a minimum guarantee from local distributor Norsk Filmdistribusjon. Sæther is eager to explore co-production and co-financing opportunities at Haugesund.
Insights on "Sex-Love-Dreams" and International Distribution Strategies
During the Haugesund Norwegian International Film Festival, Sæther will also share his insights on successfully launching the “Sex-Love-Dreams” trilogy internationally at the panel “Dreams of Being the Nordic Loveable – Promoting Nordic Films Internationally,” hosted by Europa Distribution. Reflecting on the experience, Sæther states, “Dag Johan had a clear vision to create three films about love, longing, and sexuality in a fresh and humorous way. Our goal was to produce and premiere them within the same year at major festivals, which was quite a challenge.”
The trilogy has received critical acclaim, with “Sex” premiering at Berlin’s Panorama and winning three awards, while “Love” became the first Norwegian film in 38 years to compete for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. Though “Dreams” didn’t make it to Cannes, it entered the Berlin competition and won the coveted Golden Bear.
Sæther emphasizes the importance of partnering with strong distribution allies from the outset. "We were fortunate to collaborate with prominent Nordic arthouse distributors who believed in our vision. Their support was crucial in helping us reach a wider audience,” he adds. The trilogy’s international distribution has been extensive, with rights licensed across territories including the U.S., U.K., and France, among others.
Despite current challenges in the film market, including increased competition and a shift back to feature films from television, Sæther remains optimistic about the future. “At Motlys, celebrating 42 years of creative excellence, we are committed to working closely with talent like Dag Johan and Johan. Our mission is to help filmmakers discover compelling projects rather than just producing films for survival. We believe that taking creative risks can lead to unique stories that resonate globally.”
As Haugerud continues to gain recognition, Sæther notes that his next script is not expected until spring 2026, as he is currently engaged in writing a theater play and a novel while representing the trilogy at festivals.
With two films from the trilogy—“Dreams” and “Love”—nominated for a total of 10 awards at Norway’s national Amanda Awards, to be held on August 16 in Haugesund, the future looks bright for both Sæther and the talented filmmakers at Motlys.
