Nik (who is British), his Norwegian wife, photographer Maria Vatne, and their blended family of four are living off the grid, farming, home schooling… A hard but sustainable life. Then cancer takes a hand and Nik is faced with the impossible task of keeping the farm going, honouring Maria’s wishes for the kids to learn outside of school, and grieving too. Silje Jacobsen’s doc asks questions about (and paints an enviable picture of) a free, roving, rural childhood, and the merits of social integration beyond the family unit. Mostly, though, this is a study in loss and regeneration. It’s beautifully shot, sensitively put together, and quietly affecting.
Making beautiful use of natural light and harnessing the natural warmth of the landscape, the film invites audiences to pause and reflect upon what really matters in their fast-paced lives.
Pat Mullen POV magazine
This is a lovely film about tenderness and family and living with a purpose rooted in love.
Marya E Gates
Silje Evensmo Jacobsen
Norway
2024
In Norwegian and English with English subtitles
Book Tickets
Friday January 10
Saturday January 11
Sunday January 12
Monday January 13
Tuesday January 14
Thursday January 16
Indigenous & Community Access
Credits
Cinematography
Silje Evensmo Jacobsen, Karine Fosser, Fred Arne Wergeland, Espen Gjermundrød, Line K Lyngstadaas, Natalja Safronova
Editor
Kristian Tveit, Christoffer Heie
Original Music
Olav Øyehaug, Daniel Norgren
Also Playing
The Teacher Who Promised the Sea
Based on a true story, Patricia Font’s drama excavates a dark period in Spanish history. Antoni Benaiges takes up a village teaching position in 1935. But his new-fangled ideas about learning outrage the local priest.
Living Together
Halima Elkhatabi’s delightful documentary feature takes us to 15 apartments in Montreal, where a diverse assortment of potential roommates interview each other as they search for compatibility, authentic connections, and a place to call home.
Rioja, Land of a Thousand Wines
Directed by multiple Goya award winner José Luis Lopez-Linares, this lip-smacking tour of Spain's best known wine region dives into the push and pull between tradition and innovation in an industry that is led by family dynasties.
Image © MORENA FILMS