INTERVIEW with Lasse Kissow

How long have you been doing movies? How did you decide to start making movies?

I began making movies in high school during the COVID-19 pandemic. All the movie theaters were closed, and all the productions were put on hold, so I became quite restless. I began making movies for myself and instantly felt this was the right profession for me. Never looked back since.

Why did you do this project?

Hólmganga was an attempt to create a Historical Epic on a very low budget. I have always loved sword fights and period dramas, and I had a lot of friends in the world of theater and re-enactment. So, this seemed like the logical genre for my first feature film.

(If you can say). How much budget did you have to do this project?

A little under 100,000 USD.

Was it self-funded or did you get budget/producers/investors?

It was primarily self-funded but we got some funds from a few local sponsors.

How long did it take from the initial idea to being able to release?

I began writing the screenplay during the summer of 2021 and finally finished production in April 2024 right in time for the Offspring Film Festival in Odense.

Are you happy with the result?

Yes, very much so.

What phase is this project in right now? Are you in the initial phase of sending it to festivals, middle phase or finishing the circuit?

We are in the initial festival phase and looking at potential distributors.

How has your experience been with the festivals so far? Where do you think they should improve?

Well, it’s still very early days, so we will see. But it’s a joy to see audiences abroad react to your work.

Could you tell us which platforms you use to submit your entries to festivals?

Filmfreeway is the most common of course. But many larger festivals have their own websites with their own submission forms.

Normally, filmmakers use many references, favorite directors, favorite movies, etc. Were you inspired by any director or film? If so, tell us your references.

I have always been very inspired by Sir Peter Jackson and his Lord of the Rings films.

Fantasy shows like Game of Thrones and The Witcher were also heavy influences on Hólmganga.

Your favorite movie?

The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.

Favorite series?

Game of Thrones.

Do you see yourself making movies in 5 years? Where do you see yourself?

Absolutely – though hopefully on a higher budget. I will continue to make movies in Denmark, but I am also itching to make the jump into more international work.

Do you have any other project in mind?

So many, but I will keep my lips sealed for now.

What do you ask for the future? (cinematographically speaking)

I would hope for a solid distribution deal for Hólmganga and then who knows?

Your best experience in a movie theater?

Going to the midnight premiere of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.