By AIFF Industry Programs Manager Chrissy King-Lopes
After a successful introduction to Scandinavia in Sweden, it was time to board a city train for the short ride north to the vibrant, modern city of Oslo. As we glided past pastoral towns and sparkling lakes- the conductor announced we were “now in the Kingdom of Norway”! Oslo is impressive. Adorned with elegant streets and architecture, but full of modernity and technology, the city feels established yet fresh. The amount of museums is truly staggering. I was only able to visit one but even on walks to meetings, I experienced the beauty of Oslo and their dedication to the arts was on full display, through their many theaters, record stores, and an astounding amount of sculptures turning your average corner into a place to pause. I was especially impressed by the Norwegian FIlm Institute, a brutalist architecture movement style building in a busy, downtown pocket, just steps from the iconic Opera House (which in contrast resembles sheets of ice smashing into one another or a lone iceberg that has crashed into the city). Downstairs at the NFI, you can take in a classic film, or see the newest indie feature anytime or any day of the week. Upstairs, the Film Institute’s team busily work in the country’s active film industry. Upon my visit I was greeted by Benedikete Danielson, who like me shares a family history of Father that went to sea in Norway in the 1970s. Meeting people in Norway that I shared things with would become a familiar occurrence on this trip. The landscape, remoteness, winters, and lifestyle although different from Eastern Canada- share many similarities. This is one of the reasons I am so excited to bring a spotlight on this region into light in 2025, 2026. Storytelling whilst sharing from our regions is sure to produce some fantastic filmmaking. My remaining time in Oslo was spent meeting film commissioners from the East, and Oslo city itself as well as many Producers who all have a different perspective to offer and an interest in meeting Canadians to work with.
I was quite sad to leave and hope I can return soon and explore more of this wonderful city. Next, I took an unforgettable train ride right across Norway to Bergen. The ride was inspiring. One of the highlights was Finse- which was used in “The Empire Strikes Back” as Hoth. The wispy snow drifts, and crisp winds make it a perfect setting to play as an ice planet. Bergen is a coastal, harbor town that brings comparisons to a Newfoundland fishing village. There I attended an independent film premiere, and was able to spread the word about AIFF Partners, while hearing about a different aspect of the filmmaking ecosystem in Norway. I also met the Western Norway Film Commissioner who runs a similarly small film market in Tromso each year. This was a shorter visit as I had to catch a ferry north!
In Norway, a 130 year old ferry system ensures that even the tiniest island gets its mail and supplies from the mainland! Ferries run up and down the long coast, crossing the Arctic Circle and reaching all the way to the border of Russia. The route is dotted with ports. I caught this ferry to make my way to Trondheim and finally Tromso to meet two more film commissioners and several producers along the way too. The landscapes were astoundingly beautiful, and I could not help but remember all the amazing stories that must have been told and are ready to tell about these regions.
Arriving in my final Norwegian destination of Tromso, I traveled to a Sami camp to learn about the Sami people and their culture. The Sami are the indigenous people of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. In recent years, there has been a spotlight put on their culture and their stories. I learned a little about this world through the absolutely stunning film Je’Vida. A 2023 Finnish Skolt Sami-language film written and directed by Katjatja Gauiloff. I still think about it almost every day- the imagery sticks with me as will all the people and places I experienced on this journey. The AIFF team looks forward to welcoming the Nordic regions to Halifax, in September, 2025.