When film students Ilja Wallin and Lise Bodin Haldorsen set out to make their exam film, they never imagined it would be selected for a film festival. Since then, it has been screened at both Amandus Blikkfang and the Zambia Film Festival.
When the message arrived that their film had been chosen for Amandus Blikkfang, the two describe it as both surprising and incredibly rewarding. Realizing that the film had reached an external jury and would be shown to a broader audience felt almost unreal. Its later selection for the Zambia Film Festival made the experience even more meaningful and gave them renewed motivation as filmmakers.
A personal thematic foundation
The idea for the film grew out of a desire to explore gender dynamics and the increasingly polarized discussions around feminism. For Ilja, it was important to tell a story about a topic close to her heart, women’s pursuit of independence and the way young men encounter feminism today.
The concept draws inspiration from the Norwegian folktale of the same name. Norway’s dramatic landscapes naturally became the film’s atmospheric backdrop.
From creative backgrounds to film studies at Noroff
Both students arrived at Noroff with creative experience. Ilja had already worked in the film industry but wanted a learning environment with continuous production and clear academic progression.
– I wanted the chance to make films regularly, not just in occasional bursts. Noroff gave me that opportunity.
Lise came from a graphic design background but wanted a new direction where she could still build on her creative skills. Moving behind the scenes in film production felt like a natural step, and the program provided the technical foundation she had been missing.
From script development to finished film
The process started long before the exam period. Ilja completed the first draft of the script five months before the pitch, creating a strong starting point. Together, they refined everything from narrative logic to practical solutions, visited potential locations, and shaped the film scene by scene.
– Planning is everything. But you also have to be ready for the unexpected and stay adaptable throughout the entire production, they say.
Photo: Behind the scenes of Dumme menn og troll til kjerringer (their film).
A practical and engaging learning environment
The students describe their time at Noroff as both hands-on and academically enriching. It offered the chance to dive deeply into the craft of filmmaking, surrounded by classmates who shared the same passion.
– Noroff gave us the freedom to experiment, work practically, and truly immerse ourselves in the subject. If you stay engaged, there is so much you can learn.
The road ahead
For both Ilja and Lise, this film is just the starting point. Their enthusiasm for the craft has only grown.
– Noroff was just a drop in the ocean of opportunities. We absolutely want to keep making films. We’re still active in the industry and excited for what comes next.
Explore the Film Production program and take your first step behind the camera.
Related studies
Two-year programme
Film Production
A hands-on programme for individuals aiming to work in the film industry, with a focus on in-depth training in professional equipment. Learn to use AI tools to streamline student productions and prepare for technological innovations.
Oslo, Bergen
Read more
Two-year programme
Sound and Music Production
Hands-on programme for individuals passionate about working with music and sound, as artists, composers, producers, sound engineers, or in film and media. Explore how AI enhances production with automated adjustments and creative tools.
Oslo, Bergen
Read more
One-year programme
Video Marketing in Social Media
Hands-on education that teaches you how to create engaging video content for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Today, there is a high demand for marketers with video production skills.
Online
Read more
One-year programme
Digital Marketing
Become a digital marketer and create measurable results through online ads, content marketing, SEO and AI tools. The programme focuses on strategic online marketing, analytics and social media.
Online
Oslo, Bergen
Read more