A Human Position

Long blue hours characterise summer nights in the sleepy Norwegian port town of Ålesund. Asta is a young journalist working for the local newspaper, where she is expected to report on local sports, historic preservation, and cruise ships. It is only when she stumbles across the strange story of a refugee’s forced deportation, that she finds new meaning in her work and life.

With sharply composed, contemplative images, the story unfolds along with Asta’s social awakening. Again and again, the camera explores the topography of her surroundings. In these quiet long shots, she often only appears as a forlorn figure on the horizon. Everything in this film seems like an externalisation of her inner condition: from the colour scheme to the small details of the everyday life she shares with her girlfriend.

Just as the past manifests itself in the town’s art nouveau facades, Asta’s pensive expression speaks for itself. Through its understated narrative and subtle symbolism, the film opens up a wide interpretive space for viewers. It offers a critical commentary on society in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. We as individuals can decide how far to go for personal commitment and responsibility.

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Available on Festival Scope Pro from 26 January 9:00 CET to 14 February 9:00 CET