The film The 12th Man, which depicts Jan Baalsrud’s dramatic escape from the Germans during World War II, premiered on Christmas Day 2017. The film has been a hit with audiences and gained rave reviews. Many Norwegians have been fascinated by the gripping story of the Norwegian resistance fighter.
Filmed by the Lyngenfjord
In 2016, the internationally renowned movie director Harald Zwart and producer Aage Aaberge commenced work on the filming of The 12th Man. The film had a budget of NOK 64 million.
The producers chose Lyngseidet and the Lyngen Alps as a backdrop for the film. Filming took place at several locations throughout Lyngen Municipality in March, including Tyttebærvika, Rasteby and the historic Lyngen Church.
International stars and local extras
Several residents of Lyngen have volunteered as extras and assistants during the filming. Norwegian actor Thomas Gullestad has the role of Jan Baalsrud, while Marie Blokhus plays Gudrun Grønvoll.
The internationally renowned actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays the German officer Kurt Stage
You will find more facts, photos and a trailer of the film on IMDb.com.
Other books and films about Baalsrud
Baalsrud’s story was recounted in the book We Die Alone by David Howart. This formed the basis for the film Nine Lives in 1957, which was directed by Arne Schous, and later nominated for the Oscar for the Best Foreign Language Film.
