19-25 January
2026
Through open and honest observations from Ola, we get to take part in the good life at Vidaråsen. A village where people with and without developmental disabilities live side by side. A place where it means something to feel safe enough to be who you are.
In addition to life in the village outside Tønsberg, in this documentary, we also get to know the main character well. Ola will soon be 30 years old; he is mostly a happy, enthusiastic, funny and honest guy. And one more thing: Ola has a mild developmental disability. He talks openly and with wonder about this, but at the same time wonders if people primarily see him as a person with a diagnosis. Can't he be allowed to just be Ola? He reflects both on life as it is today and what it was like growing up with a mild developmental disability. He feels the need for independence, and he embarks on a brave journey in search of becoming more independent.
The documentary wants to create an understanding of being different, portray a different way of life and show that everyone can live a good life. Ola gives us an insight into a project that is about having a diversity of possibilities. The alternative society model is about belonging and identity, and our entrance into this is through a wondering young man. This is a heartwarming feel-good film about equality, belonging and the importance of feeling safe enough to be who you are.
It is director Ragnhild Nøst Bergem (b. 1990) who has been following Ola for a few years. Also in her second full-length documentary, she is recognized for her ability to portray people with both closeness and warmth. Nøst Bergem's Vær her was nominated for an Amanda for best documentary in 2021 and received good reviews. Nøst Bergem studied documentary directing at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (INN University) and has a photography education from Oslo Fotokunstskole.
2021 Vær her
2021 Koronadagbøkene (TV documentary)
2016 Remember me? (short)
2015 Hvem vinner? (short)
2014 Sammen (short)
2014 På lånt tid (short)
Kl 16:30
Hålogaland Teater
Kl 11:45
Fokus 2 (Bonordsalen)
Programme: | Horizons |
Director: | Ragnhild Nøst Bergem |
Country: | Norway |
Year: | 2023 |
Run time: | 1h 11m |
Screenplay: | Ragnhild Nøst Bergem |
Producer: | Eirin O. Høgetveit |