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Informal, Yet Insightful: Dag Johan Haugerud's Cinematic Journey

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Norwegian film director, Dag Johan Haugerud, isn't just some unheard-of name anymore. He climbed to stardom after winning the illustrious Golden Bear at the Berlinale for "Oslo Stories: Dreams" (currently in theaters). Now, his filmmaking talent for evoking empathy is grabbing plenty of attention.

So, what's the deal with "Oslo Stories"? Well, it's actually a trilogy shown in a later-to-be-determined order in each country. Haugerud shared with us an intriguing tidbit – the original sequence was supposed to be "Dreams," "Love," and "Sex," but hey, it doesn't really matter, right? Each part was conceived as a standalone tale.

In Austria, "Oslo Stories: Love" made it to the big screen, "Oslo Stories: Dreams" (mentally note the correct title!) is currently playing, and the finale, "Oslo Stories: Longing," premieres on May 22.

All three works weave together various flavors of human encounters and relationships, all set against the backdrop of the lively city of Oslo, with the city's topography taking center stage. Speaking of "Oslo Stories: Dreams," Haugerud delivers the tale of a 16-year-old schoolgirl named Johanne who falls head over heels in love with her new teacher. Her infatuation blooms for the teacher's strikingly stunning sweaters – guess sensuality is in the yarn after all!

"I frickin' love photographing wool," says Haugerud. He credits the young lead actress Ella Øverbye, with whom he first worked when she was still an 11-year-old sprite, with inspiring the story. He pondered how her life would be like as a 16-year-old and, in the process, dredged up memories of his own first great love.

While he isn't particularly fond of coming-of-age films because he's seen so many, Haugerud admitted that they hold universal appeal. Perhaps it's because they evoke feelings of youth that some of us nostalgically miss. Or maybe it's that they make us question choices we made or didn't make in our youth.

This sentiment seems to resonate with Johanne's grandmother, who discovered her own painful love tale through literature. Her aesthetic exploration of youthful passion around a table with her daughter stirs up mixed emotions in both women. While the grandmother grapples with disquieting memories of her past, the mother ponders if the notes hold the hint of Johanne's abuse by her teacher.

"If my kid came to me with a confession about their first love, I'd react without a second thought," Haugerud admits with his typical, modest, and engaging charm. "But if I read about it, I'd have more time to process my emotions, and my reaction would be entirely different."

For Haugerud, reading and literature are more than just a way to pass the time – they're a means to understand life and gain fresh perspectives. He believes that people today are really missing out on something by reading less.

Haugerud isn't just a trained librarian and prolific writer; he's also someone who deeply appreciates the power of literature. And speaking of literature, "Oslo Stories: Dreams" is, in part, a tribute to the written word. If you're seeking a heartwarming journey through a queer coming-of-age tale, this film is worth a watch.

For his following project, Haugerud is pushing forward with a film about love and sexuality in older folks. He drew inspiration for this idea from the actress who played Johanne's grandmother and her fascinating musings on love, sex, and aging in older years.

"People of all ages, shapes, and sizes should be allowed to experience the joys and trials of love," Haugerud emphasizes. He believes it's high time to put the spotlight on Seniors' romances and their sexual experiences.

Here's to more enchanting stories from Dag Johan Haugerud and the captivating universe he weaves on celluloid!

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(Enrichment Insights)- Dag Johan Haugerud's award-winning "Oslo Stories: Dreams" is part of a trilogy about human encounters and relationships set in Oslo.- The trilogy is shown in a different order in each country, and the original intended sequence was "Oslo Stories: Dreams," "Love," and "Sex."- The first part of the trilogy, "Oslo Stories: Love," centers on themed romantic connections. "Oslo Stories: Dreams" is currently being screened, while "Oslo Stories: Longing" is set to premiere on May 22.- "Oslo Stories: Dreams" follows a 16-year-old schoolgirl named Johanne who falls in love with her teacher. Johanne's story is inspired by Haugerud's first great love and an actress he previously worked with.- Haugerud is known for his connection to literature and incorporates it into his films, as demonstrated in "Oslo Stories: Dreams."- Haugerud's future work will focus on love and sexuality in older people. The inspiration for the project came from intriguing stories shared by an actress who played a role in "Oslo Stories: Dreams."

Dag Johan Haugerud's latest project will focus on love and sexuality in older individuals, inspired by intriguing stories shared by an actress who played a role in his trilogy film, "Oslo Stories."
The award-winning filmmaker, Dag Johan Haugerud, established his fame with the trilogy, "Oslo Stories," which is set in his hometown, Oslo, and screens in a different order in each country.
Haugerud's filmmaking endeavors blend human connections and relationships into captivating narratives, with "Oslo Stories: Dreams," the first installment, currently playing in theaters.
Dag Johan Haugerud's love for literature is strongly reflected in his filmmaking, most notably in the acclaimed "Oslo Stories: Dreams," which beautifully merges the written word into an engaging and heartwarming queer coming-of-age tale.