Petter Næss, a renowned Norwegian filmmaker, was born in Oslo, Norway, in 1960. Initially, he pursued a career in the theatre, working as a writer, director, and actor, and staging nearly 30 productions. In 1997, he was appointed director of Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre),where he made a significant impact by promoting contemporary Norwegian plays and focusing on works for young audiences.
During his tenure at the theatre, he brought Ingvar Ambjørnsen's popular book "Brødre i blodet" (Brothers in Blood) to life, staging the first production of "Elling", which received widespread critical acclaim and audience adoration. The show's immense success paved the way for Næss's debut as a film director in 1999 with the dark comedy "Absolutt Blåmandag" (Absolute Hangover).
The film's success was marked by the Amanda Award wins for best actor and actress, and it was only a matter of time before "Elling" was adapted into a feature film. The 2001 movie adaptation became one of the biggest box office hits in Norwegian cinema history, with over 800,000 Norwegians viewing the film. The movie's instant popularity and critical acclaim earned it a nomination for the Best Foreign Film Oscar (Academy Award),making it the fourth Norwegian film to receive such recognition.
The film's success led to Kevin Spacey purchasing the rights to remake "Elling" for American audiences, cementing the original's status as a cult classic worldwide. With "Elling", Næss brought the "feel-good film" to Norway, striking a chord with international audiences.
The success of "Elling" led to Næss signing a deal with 20th Century Fox to direct three movies for the traditional production company. Before beginning production on his first film, "Mozart & the Whale" with Josh Hartnett, he demonstrated his talent for youth films with his Norwegian youth drama "Bare Bea", which premiered in January 2004. The critics were impressed, and with three critical and commercial successes under his belt, Næss solidified his position as one of the greatest Norwegian filmmakers of his generation.
