World Premiere at Kristiansand International Children’s Film Festival
We’re excited to announce that, “Be Yourself, Enough!” Our Modern Take on Peer Gynt, a short film produced by Antfarm and directed by Ola Martin Fjeld. Will have its world premiere at the esteemed Kristiansand International Children’s Film Festival in April. Following his nomination for the short film “Followers” last year. Ola Martin Fjeld is honored to be nominated for the best Norwegian short film at this festival for two consecutive years.
“Be Yourself, Enough!” Our Modern Take on Peer Gynt
Explores the enduring relevance of characters from Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen’s drama Peer Gynt. Commissioned by Gyldendal Publishing Company and tailored for an audience aged 10 to 12 years old. Also, co-written by Ola Martin Fjeld and comedian Frida Homlung, who also stars in the film. The duo tackled the challenge of distilling the 2.5-hour epic into a concise 15-minute short film.
“We brainstormed various directions, knowing we had to focus on a specific character or scene embodying the play’s core premise,” Fjeld explains. Consequently they chose to spotlight one individual affected by Peer Gynt’s lies, rather than the renowned character himself. The focus shifted to Peer Gynt’s greatest love, Solveig, portrayed by the gifted young actress Erle Wattø Halvorsen.
In this contemporary adaptation, Solveig is a 12-year-old girl who meets Peer during summer break. Simultaneously she falls for a lively guy from summer camp. She becomes entwined in a lie after agreeing to help him with a prank video. The narrative delves into the influence of social pressure online, and the struggle to remain true to oneself amid the digital world’s various versions of our personalities.
The Project
Client representatives Silje Foss Larsen and Gjertrud Langva expressed their enthusiasm for the project, stating that the film presents a novel perspective on the challenges of growing up in the digital age, resonating with children and adults. “We believe the film offers a fresh take on the challenges of today’s digital age,” says Larsen.
Langva adds, “We think this story will resonate with children and adults alike, prompting reflection on the importance of being true to oneself and perhaps igniting curiosity to explore more of Henrik Ibsen’s work.”
Ola Martin Fjeld cherished working with the two young main actors Erle Wattø Halvorsen and Emil Smørvik. “I was thrilled to collaborate with these exceptional talents again. We engaged in improv games and acting rehearsals. Delving into the material and ultimately discovering our own language and approach to understanding the characters. Also, one of the keys to working with young actors is allowing them to embody an alternate version of themselves, rather than forcing them into roles that don’t feel authentic or natural.”
“Be Yourself, Enough!” promises to be a captivating and thought-provoking addition to the Kristiansand International Children’s Film Festival. Appealing to those intrigued by the intersection of classic literature and modern themes.
Produced in partnership with the production company High & Low, producer Kenneth Williams, DOP Marius Martinsen, and editor/animator Alexander Holterhuset. Also, the film stars Emil Smørvik, Aurora Skagestad, Tom Styve, Thomas Borhaug, and Lars Åndheim.
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