It appears the viking film lords of Norway have begun preparations for the plundering of entertainment dollars! We get the following story from THR:

Cannes — The Norwegian film industry has arrived in force in Cannes, riding high on the recent boxoffice surge of local titles and accompanied by an a odd, teepee-like structure now pitched on the lawn outside the Grand Hotel. The traditional structure — called a “sami lavvo” in case you’re wondering — is part of a marketing gimmick to promote Nils Gaup’s historical saga “The Kautokeino Rebellion,” which has been a huge hit at home. But it is also emblematic of a new sense of confidence pouring out of Norway.

The country’s three main film financing bodies merged last month to form a single centralized body to divvy up about $60 million in production subsidies every year and Norway’s oil-rich government has set ambitious growth targets. By 2010, Norway wants local films to account for a quarter of the national boxoffice — up from last year’s 16% — and to double the international sales revenue for Norwegian titles.

The Norwegian government is coughing up pretty sweet breaks in order to build an industry that will not only entertain its own citizens, but fans of film round’ the globe. As manufacturing jobs dry up, it’ s wise to grow different industries. People are always going to seek out entertainment, and if this goes well – the government of Norway could reap tax revenues for decades to come, because of the seeds they are planting now.

I wonder if Norwegian film will eventually replace Black Metal as the number one bitchin’ export.

Sons and Daughters of Odin, make us proud.