Sundance Film Festival 2024

World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Documentary - A New Kind of Wilderness

Expired January 29, 2024 6:55 AM
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In a forest in Norway, a family lives an isolated lifestyle in an attempt to be wild and free, but a tragic event changes everything, and they are forced to adjust to modern society.

Silje Evensmo Jacobsen’s portrait of the Payne family is an intimate encounter with a family coming to terms with a new reality. For years, the family of six enjoyed a slower-paced, independent life in harmony with nature on a picturesque farm. Now they are at a turning point, and Jacobsen captures their journey with a caring eye. The vulnerability and compassion they extend to each other, the land, and their animals are tenderly and beautifully observed by a camera that feels part of the family, while home videos woven throughout provide meaningful insights into years past. Joyous moments spring through the heartache, and the Paynes’ strong bond and love for each other guide them through each challenge they face. Jacobsen crafts a sensitive, affectionate, and completely heartfelt experience that is as much about navigating grief as it is about graciously accepting change.—SO

Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 25–28) and credentialed press and industry (January 24–28).

  • Year
    2024
  • Runtime
    84 minutes
  • Language
    English, Norwegian
  • Country
    Norway
  • Director
    Silje Evensmo Jacobsen
  • Producer
    Mari Bakke Riise
  • Executive Producer
    Kim Christiansen
  • Composer
    Olav Øyehaug
  • Cinematography
    Silje Evensmo Jacobsen, Karine Fosser, Line K. Lyngstadaas
  • Editors
    Kristian Tveit, Christoffer Heie
  • Sound Designer
    Yngve Leidulv Sætre
  • Colorist
    Tom Chr. Lilletvedt
  • Featuring
    Ulv Vatne Payne, Falk Vatne Payne, Freja Vatne Payne, Ronja Breda Vatne, Maria Gros Vatne, Nikolaus Ithell Payne
  • Production Company
    A5 Film