Being Ola

Dir. Ragnhild Nøst Bergem | 2023 | 72 mins | Norwegian with English Subtitles 

Ola is a 30-year-old man who lives in a small village in Norway with a very diverse group of people. They try to live life at a slower pace in harmony with nature, and their community is founded on values such as empathy, respect, and mutual interdependence. 

Ola generally enjoys his life and is an engaged, witty, and sincere individual. He has a mild intellectual disability, and he reflects very openly about his condition. When Ola loses an important aspect of his life, he reflects on his existence and considers how he can become more self-reliant. 

“Being Ola” is a moving, heartwarming film that celebrates the significance of equality and belonging as a basis for daring to embrace the one you really are. 

It’s a close and honest portrait that helps bridge the gap between ‘us’ and ‘them’. 

Ragnhild Nøst Bergem (b 1990) is a Norwegian award-winning and Amanda nominated filmmaker and cinematographer. Her documentaries have played in theatres, on television and at film festivals, both in Norway and abroad. Bergem has a distinct and brave voice in storytelling. Her intimate approach to the vulnerable characters in her films makes them open up and share the unspoken. Through Bergems film work we get closer to people who normally remain silent and her ambition is to help create change in society. 

“Being Ola” is an impactful film that explores the importance of freedom of speech, specifically for individuals with intellectual disabilities. These individuals often face being talked about without having the chance to share their own stories. Ola, the main character, aims to change this by telling his own narrative. He wants to show how they bring value to society.

Thursday 11th July, 8.00pm

Tickets: £8.00/£6.50/£6.00

A £1 Poly Fund payment is added to each ticket sold.