On Tuesday this week, the documentary “Det norske skatteparadiset” premiered on news 1. It deals with the municipality of Bø in Vesterålen, which in December 2019 became known as Norway’s Monaco after deciding to cut wealth tax to 0.2 per cent. The film, which was made by Hulias Film as, is now receiving criticism both for its portrayal of the village and the political process surrounding the Norwegian decision. – This may remind you of a film from the post-war period when the Germans left Norway. They show off buildings that have been vacated for generations, says Conservative politician Håkon Ulriksen to news. The Vesterålen newspaper discussed the case earlier this week. The mayor fears that the village will die, and wants to turn Bø in Vesterålen into a Norwegian tax haven. But is it possible? – Dragged into the shit Ulriksen himself has lived in Bø since he was five years old. He started hearing rumors about the film after it was shown in the cinema hall at Bø a few weeks ago. – They said it was so dark and sad. People asked why they needed to show off all these old houses? Afterwards, Ulriksen also saw the film through news TV. He says what was presented was in no way impressive. – They could have tried, at the end of a miserable programme, to give us some bright spot. Turn on the light or film during the day. Everything is so dark you’d think Hitchcock made it. – This was unfair to us in Bø. Ulriksen reacts to Bø being portrayed as a sad village with lots of abandoned houses. Photo: SCREEN DUMP FROM “THE NORWEGIAN TAX PARADISE” Ulriksen is also very critical of how the presentation of the tax decision’s effect has had on Bø. – When the film was about the decision, they interviewed a lot of negative people. Was it not possible to take a round with us who have invested a lot of money? The right-wing politician puts himself forward as an example: – Since this decision was made, I have invested almost NOK 60 million in Bø in buildings and apartments. In several of these projects, I have several of the so-called “tax refugees” with me. – But this is not mentioned in a single word. Bø municipality, and those of us who have stood by afterwards, have been dragged down into the shit. The film shows Bø during different seasons. The film shows several scenes where the politicians discuss the much-discussed tax decision. Ulriksen also believes this is misrepresented. – It is edited so that it does not relate to what actually happened. It is perfectly fine that the issue has two sides, but then the voices of those who think the decision is good should also be heard. A living community Berit Hansen is a municipal council representative for the Center Party in Bø. She has a relatively large role in the documentary. She gives Ulriksen support in that the film is perceived as bleak for Bø people. – There was no advertising for Bø, but the Conservative Party must not think that there should be either. Berit Hansen is a group leader in Sp i Bø, as well as a veterinarian. Photo: SCREEN DUMP FROM “THE NORWEGIAN TAX PARADISE” But she also says she was disappointed by the presentation. – Bø is a vibrant village with lots of opportunities and activity. We have shops and lots of businesses. – What do you think about the political discussions shown in the film? – To me, it feels absolutely right. I have been in this for 20 years, and know exactly what I feel, she says and emphasizes that she believes she is portrayed correctly. But she gives Ulriksen support in that the picture being painted is somewhat narrow. – They could interview more people and perhaps also the business community about how things are really going. There should have been a wider field here. It was perhaps a bit narrow, I can agree with that. – I don’t recognize myself in the film. But fortunately, I have an inner peace that says those who know me know what I am like, says Bø mayor Sture Pedersen. Photo: SCREEN DUMP FROM “THE NORWEGIAN TAX PARADISE” The mayor feels he is being hanged Bø mayor Sture Pedersen says he has been inundated with phone calls, text messages and reactions after the film was shown. – People are disappointed by how dark and gloomy the municipality is portrayed. A statement is made that the municipality is depopulated. It is worrying and almost a little scary, he says to news. Sture Pedersen looks beyond Bø in the film “Det norske skatteparadiset”. Photo: SCREEN DUMP FROM THE NORWEGIAN TAX PARADISE Pedersen is also disappointed with how he himself is portrayed in the film. – In today’s media image, I have to put up with being pushed to the wall. But I think this was far too one-sided. I feel I was left out a bit, he says and adds: – I don’t recognize myself. It is presented almost as if no voting takes place in the municipal council. That the majority just drive straight through. – The documentary hits well Another central person in the film is Brith-Unni Willumsen. She agrees with the criticism that the film paints a very gloomy picture of the village. But when it comes to the theme of the documentary, the tax cut and the political processes, she believes the documentary hits the mark. – I understand very well that the Conservative Party goes out and defends its own system of governance. But the documentary doesn’t lie, she says and adds: – Unfortunately, I recognize the overall picture in the film more than well. Recognizable problem Project editor in news’s external editorial team, Anne Kvadsheim, has followed the project closely throughout the process. news has participated in the financing of the film. When asked what Kvadsheim thinks about the criticism, she replies: – It is always valuable to have different opinions, and it is nice to see that the film engages. At the same time, it is a shame that Pedersen and Ulriksen do not recognize each other in the presentation. Project editor in news’s external editorial team, Anne Kvadsheim. Photo: Ole Kaland / Ole Kaland, news She emphasizes that the film is about a challenge that several district municipalities face. – This documentary wants to tell about a small village in Norway, with a very recognizable problem for many district municipalities in Norway, and about a committed mayor fighting a battle against eviction. Positive feedback Producer August Falch Sørheim and director Christer Sev say they have never wanted to blackmail anyone. – Our desire has been to tell an important story about a small municipality with problems that many other small municipalities recognize, they write to news in an e-mail. They emphasize that there are several positive statements about Pedersen in the film. – We hear that he has helped individuals and that he works very hard and a lot for the municipality. Afterwards, they also received more feedback from viewers who think Bø looks like a great place. And that people want to go there. – It is right that we use some photos of abandoned houses. But this is mainly at the start of the film, to illustrate the municipality’s challenge related to population decline.
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Politicians think the film about Bø is incorrect and sad – news Nordland
