In our seventh episode of the podcast’s second season we explore a documentary with heart. Directed by award-winning Norwegian filmmaker Ragnhild Nøst Bergem ‘Being Ola’ is more than a documentary; it’s a “sunshine story” that offers an honest, heartwarming portrait of Ola Henningsen living with a mild learning disability in a diverse Norwegian village.
‘Being Ola’ takes us on one man’s journey of self discovery despite neurodivergent challenges.. Through his witty and sincere reflections, the film explores universal themes of inclusion, independence, and the profound impact of being supported by a thriving neurodiverse community. It is a film packed complex empathy, and joy than embodies the description ‘heartwarming’.
The film’s festival run has included screenings at Denmark’s CPH:DOX, Poland’s Krakow Film Festival, and the Tromsø International Film Festival in Norway, amongst many more. It has one numerous awards, including the Gullruten Award (National Norwegian Television Award) for Best Documentary Film (it was also nominated for Best Directing in a Documentary, and Best Cinematography in a Documentary) and the “Sølvklumpen (Silver Lump)” for Best Theatrical Film in 2023, an award presented by the Norwegian Cinema Managers’ Association.
Having recently screened at the Oska Bright Film Festival ‘Being Ola’ is now on release in UK and Irish cinemas. We had the pleasure of speaking with Ragnhild and the man himself, Ola about the film and the incredible journey it charts.
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Join the Conversation
What do you think of the interview? Were you moved by Ola’s story and encouraged to go see the film in the cinema? If you have seen the film we’d love to hear your thoughts. Let us know in the comments below. You can also head over to the Cine Bijou on Bluesky, Threads, and Instagram to share your thoughts with our growing community of cinephiles.