Honor Swinton Byrne is reuniting with writer-director Anne-Sofie Lindgaard for the National Film and Television School (NFTS) short film “Small One,” joined by Charlotte Spencer and Herbert Nordrum in what marks the emerging filmmaker’s graduation project.
The casting represents a significant get for the NFTS production, bringing together Swinton Byrne, fresh off “A Very Royal Scandal,” with Spencer from “The Gold” and Nordrum, who broke out in “The Worst Person in the World.”
Lindgaard, the Danish filmmaker behind festival favorite “Icelandic Poppies,” is tackling fertility and family dynamics in her latest short. The story follows sisters grappling with opposite pregnancy experiences — one dealing with an unexpected conception while the other faces IVF struggles.
The project marks Lindgaard’s third collaboration with casting director Simon Higgins, whose recent work includes assembling talent for her Cannes silver-winning short “Backseat.” Their partnership has become a defining element of Lindgaard’s NFTS tenure.
“Casting is such a vital part of storytelling, and working with someone who shares your artistic language brings a rare kind of clarity and joy to the process,” Lindgaard said, praising Higgins’ ability to translate her creative vision.
For Swinton Byrne, the project continues her relationship with Lindgaard that began on “Do Mosquitos Bite in Winter?” The director describes their collaboration as “magical,” citing the actor’s “emotional nuance, generosity, and sensitivity.”
The film wrapped production in Denmark and enters post-production ahead of its premiere at the NFTS graduation showcase. Producer Ola Andrzejewska is steering the project toward the festival circuit, following the successful trajectory of Lindgaard’s previous shorts.
Lindgaard, whose “Icelandic Poppies” earned a Robert Award shortlist and festival wins, is a Danish filmmaker based in London. “Small One” continues her exploration of intimate human stories as she builds her growing portfolio.
The casting coup underscores the National Film and Television School’s ability to attract established talent for student projects, with Swinton Byrne’s involvement particularly notable given her rising profile following Joanna Hogg’s “The Souvenir” films.
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