Banijay-Backed Filmlance’s Mystery Drama ‘My Brother,’ Adapting Karin Smirnoff Bestseller, Boarded by TrustNordisk (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Annika Pham Copenhagen-based TrustNordisk has picked up international rights on “My Brother,” a four-part mystery thriller produced by Banijay Group’s Swedish banner Filmlance International, credited for the crime hits “The Bridge”, “Fallen”, and family epic “Ronja the Robber’s Daughter.” Filming on the SVT series is due to begin in February 2025 in Norrbotten, Sweden’s northernmost county, with a delivery date set for the winter 2025.

Billed as a northern Western, “My Brother” is based on bestselling author Karin Smirnoff’s debut novel, part of the Jana Kippo book trilogy sold to several countries including the U.K., Italy and Germany.

Smirnoff has also authored the new Millennium novel “The Cry of the Sea Eagle.” Filmlance’s newest bet on crime is adapted by seasoned screenwriter Karin Arrhenius (“Blackwater”, “Rebecca Martinsson: Arctic Murders”), with Sanna Lenken (“Thin Blue Line”, “Pressure Point”) directing.“We are eager to introduce the deeply emotional and gripping story,” said Susan Wendt, TrustNordisk managing director. “Not only does it capture the essence of its bestselling novel, but it also invites viewers to confront the complexities of family, memory, love and hate.” The story follows Jana Kipps as she returns home to the fictional small town Smalånger to save her heartbroken and alcoholic twin brother.

She falls in love with a man, who allegedly killed his wife Maria, the woman who was her brother’s great love. As Jana gets drawn into Maria’s mysterious death, she is forced to confront her own repressed memories from her upbringing. “Thin Blue Line” actor Amanda Jansson is playing the lead, next to Jakob Öhrman (“Helsinki Syndrome”, “Rebecka Martinsson: Arctic Murders”) and Rasmus Johansson.