REinvent International Sales has picked up the captivating one-location drama, SECOND VICTIMS by upcoming director Zinnini Elkington. The film, which is in post-production, was shot at Herlev Hospital and is produced by Johannes Rothaus Nørregaard for Meta Film. Nordic distribution by SF Studios.
SECOND VICTIMS is Zinnini Elkington’s feature debut, a one-location film inspired by a psychological syndrome named “second victim syndrome”, which can occur for healthcare staff after a traumatic patient care incident.
“This impressive and intense feature debut from Zinnini Elkington deals with the psychological consequences for a team of doctors and nurses after a traumatic event in the healthcare system. We are very proud to represent the film internationally and we are convinced this film will resonate with buyers and festivals alike”, says Rikke Ennis, CEO at REinvent International Sales.
Director Zinnini Eklington says: “This movie is a call for empathy. I want to challenge the prevailing narrative about medical misjudgements while also exploring timeless human dilemmas. When our ideals conflict with reality, it’s always the authentic individual who suffers the consequences. Özlem and Trine are two forces of nature, and I am so grateful they dared to take my hand and walk into this complex story with me.”
The film stars Özlem Saglanmak alongside Trine Dyrholm in the lead; co-starring is Anders Matthesen, the creator of the massive local success-franchise, “Checkered Ninja”, Mathilde Arcel (Agent, 2023), Iman Meskini (Skam, 2015-17), Olaf Johannessen (Trom, 2022).
Özlem Saglanmak’s previous work include the internationally acclaimed series “Borgen” (2022) and “Shorta” (2021) for which she won a Robert award (Danish Film Academy Award) for best supporting actress.
Trine Dyrholm is one of the most sought after and acclaimed Scandinavian actresses of today. In 2016 she won the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival for her role in Thomas Vinterberg’s “The Commune”, her other credits include Susanne Bier’s Academy Award winning “In A Better World” (2010) and Sundance Audience Award winning “Queen of Hearts” (2019) for which she also won the Best Acting award at Göteborg Film Festival.
Synopsis
Set against the backdrop of an understaffed stroke unit, the skilled neurologist Alexandra’s unwavering confidence is put to the ultimate test when a routine case spirals into tragedy. Blame and guilt ripple through the hospital, and Alexandra confronts her own fallibility, grappling with the profound repercussions of medical misjudgements. In a raw and introspective journey, we learn the weight of guilt and the power of compassion.
SECOND VICTIMS is produced by Meta Film by producer Johannes Rothaus Nørregaard, with support from New Danish Screen (Danish Film Institute) and Creative Europe Media. SF Studios distributes the film in the Nordics. REinvent handles international sales.