Growth of the Soil (Norwegian: Markens Grøde) is a 2026 epic romantic drama film directed by Hans Petter Moland, co-written with Gard B. Eidsvold and based on the 1917 novel by Knut Hamsun. It stars Herbert Nordrum, Asta Kamma August, Eidsvold, Anders Baasmo, Oddgeir Thune, and Sjur Vatne Brean.
The film had its world premiere in the Special Presentations section of the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on 12 September, and it will be theatrically released in Norway on 28 October. It was also selected as the Norwegian entry for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards.
Contents
Premise
A farmer seeks to build a life and start a family in the remote Norwegian wilderness.
Cast
Herbert Nordrum as Isak
Asta Kamma August as Inger
Gard B. Eidsvold
Anders Baasmo
Oddgeir Thune
Sjur Vatne Brean
Production
In October 2023, it was reported that Hans Petter Moland would adapt Knut Hamsun's 1917 novel Growth of the Soil. In November 2023, the project received a €1,500,000 production grant from the Norwegian Film Institute. The project was presented at the 2024 Nordic Film Market, held during the Gothenburg Film Festival.
Principal photography took place on location in Norway from June to December 2025.
Release
Growth of the Soil had its world premiere at the Special Presentations section of the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on 12 September. It was also programmed in the main competition of the 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival. Prior to its premiere, Beta Cinema had acquired the film's international sales rights. The film will be released in Norwegian theatres on 28 October 2026.