Norwegian triple threat Mona Fastvold, with buzz growing around her latest film The Testament of Ann Lee, has signed with the London-based Magna Studios.
The director-writer-producer’s Amanda Seyfried-starring project, following the founder of the Shaker religious movement in the 18th century, premiered at the Venice Film Festival this year and was later acquired by Searchlight Pictures. Fastvold co-wrote the film alongside partner Brady Corbet, with whom she also wrote 2024’s Oscar-winning hit The Brutalist.
Fastvold has directed acclaimed drama films The Sleepwalker (2014) and The World to Come (2020), which received the Queer Lion award and a Golden Globe.
“I’ve been looking for true partners who believe in me and my work, and Magna is exactly that,” said Fastvold. “They’ve already shown such passion and enthusiasm for my ideas, and I’m looking forward to exploring new opportunities together — ones that challenge me creatively and bring bold original storytelling to audiences everywhere.”
She will extend her craft to multiple formats, said Magna, joining the team’s roster of emerging and established voices, including James Marsh, Asif Kapadia, Oscar Hudson, Jeff Treamine, Phoebe Arnstein and Corbet.
“We’re so proud to welcome Mona,” added Davud Karbassioun, co-CEO of Magna Studios. “We’ve long been admirers of her style and vision. The Testament of Ann Lee is one of the most extraordinary, original and beautifully crafted films I’ve ever seen and am excited for audiences to see it in theatres this holiday. She is a true artist, her style and approach lends itself to brand storytelling and she exemplifies our tastes and values. We’re looking forward to locking arms on this journey together.”
Magna Studios, founded by Karbassioun and Marisa Clifford, operates from hubs in London, New York and Los Angeles.
