32-year-old Ola lives in the village of Vidaråsen in Andebu, between Tønsberg and Sandefjord. In the small community of 150 inhabitants, people with and without developmental disabilities live together, at a leisurely pace, close to nature. Inclusion, understanding and respect are core values in the village. Now you can soon see the film about Ola’s life at Vidaråsen, when it comes to cinemas across the country from 13 October. Sold out On Wednesday, there was a party preview of the film at Kilden cinema in Tønsberg. The large hall with over 400 seats was sold out. There was a standing ovation after the film. – It is completely incredible. It’s still a bit like a dream, says Ola Henningsen. Director Ragnhild Nøst Bergem and Ola Henningsen in front of a packed cinema hall during the party pre-premiere of the film on “home track” in Tønsberg. Photo: Magnus Eik Director Ragnhild Nøst Bergem has been told that it has only happened once before, when Fifty Shades of Gray rolled onto the screen. – Think about it. It’s big for me, and it’s very big for Ola, says a proud director. Documentary film director, Ragnhild Nøst Bergem. Photo: Jonas Fagereng Jacobsen / Fontene Autographs and selfies The protagonist himself thinks it strange to get so much attention. – I’ll try to keep contact with the ground then. Try. But it’s not easy when people come and ask for photos and autographs, says Ola Henningsen. “Ola – an ordinary unusual guy” is a film about equality, belonging and the importance of feeling safe enough to be who you are, according to the film review. – The film is about how I experience living with the diagnosis I have. And how I try to strive to become more independent. Make people around me believe that Ola can get things done, says Henningsen. At the end of the film, you find out that Ola can achieve most of what he wants, he reveals, without revealing too much. Wanted to give Ola a voice Ragnhild Nøst Bergem got to know Ola in 2014 when she studied film and made a documentary from Vidaråsen. – I was very fascinated by the way they live. They live together in various collectives and run the village with its own bakery, carpentry workshop, organic farming, shop and nursery, says the director. It is important for Bergem to tell stories from people we don’t hear or see much in society. – I want to give Ola a vote, she says. Ola Henningsen has a mild developmental disability and has lived in Vidaråsen for 10 years. Photo: Sigurd Neby Bergem describes Ola Henningsen as a wise and reflective type. A committed, funny and honest guy. As the title of the film says, a completely ordinary unusual guy. – We have followed each other closely and have become quite good friends. He is a guy who dares to take a few chances, who dares to try something he is not confident in, and dares to try again. It has inspired me a lot, says the director. For inspiration She also hopes that the audience will be touched, gain an insight into a different life, be inspired and recognize themselves. Part of the goal is to help break down the divide between “us” and “them”. – The film is about being human, about finding your place, about belonging. Having someone around you who can support you so that you dare to take some chances and dare to be yourself. – The theme is universal. You need security and a community to be who you are and use the resources you have, she adds. Watch the trailer for the film “Ola – A completely ordinary, unusual guy”.
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Everyone wants to see the film about Ola – a very ordinary unusual guy – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
