The Battle of Narvik was the largest on Norwegian soil. Yet few people know about it. – The war events in the northern Norwegian campaign must have the same place in our national consciousness as top hats, guys on the skau and illegal newspapers. That’s what producer Live Bonnevie says. With an interactive teaching plan, they hope to bring the power of the film into Norwegian classrooms. Carl Martin Eggesbø plays Gunnar Tofte in Kampen om Narvik. Photo: Eirik Linder Aspelund / Nordisk film A series of speed bumps The battle for Narvik has cost around NOK 80 million. It is one of the most expensive films in Norwegian history. But despite the large budget, not everything has gone smoothly. – There was a period when I was afraid that the whole film would be cancelled, says lead actress Kristine Hartgen. Kristine Hartgen and Carl Martin Eggesbø in The Battle of Narvik. The former was sometimes afraid that the film would never come to fruition. Photo: Eirik Linder Aspelund / Nordisk Film The premiere was delayed a number of times due to corona. When the war in Ukraine broke out, the filmmakers decided to postpone the premiere once again. On Saturday, it finally rolls across the Norwegian screen for the first time. The film premieres at Narvik cinema on Saturday. It will also be shown on a big screen in the center of Narvik on Saturday evening, December 25. The film will be shown in all cinemas in Norway. The battle for Narvik Hartgen says it is surreal that the day has finally come. – There is a part of me that doesn’t quite understand that it will actually be premiered now. The Battle of Narvik The film is based on the battles that took place in and around Narvik in 1940. Narvik was captured by German troops on the morning of 9 April 1940. The aim was to control the iron ore that was shipped out here from the mines in Kiruna – an important resource for German arms industry. Norway’s 6th Division took up the fight under the leadership of General Carl Gustav Fleischer, and eventually they received support from the British Navy and troops from France and Poland. On 28 May, they managed to recapture Narvik. The Battle of Narvik was the first time British, French, Polish and Norwegian forces fought together. And they won. The recapture of Narvik on 28 May 1940 was Nazi Germany’s first major defeat. But the situation in France was precarious, and the Allies decided to transfer their troops there. Without allied support, it was no longer possible to continue the military struggle in Norway. Read more in the article on the Royal Palace’s website. The story needs space Producer Live Bonnevie feels a sense of relief now that the film will finally be shown. The project has been challenging, she says. – If we hadn’t been as fond of the story as we are, and had such strong ambitions as to why this film should go to cinemas, I think we might not have persevered. – We think this story needs space. Producer Live Bonnevie believes the important battle for Narvik deserves more attention. It will probably get that with the blockbuster. Photo: Privat Bonnevie himself has recognized a knowledge gap about Norway’s war history. She was a grandfather from Bodø, yet she knew little about northern Norwegian history. – I’m used to illegal rejects, red top hats and paper clips in the buttonhole. But I was not as aware of the war stories from the north. That is why she is also happy that the film will be part of a teaching programme. – We see the importance of the rising generation having a relationship with our own war history. She also highlights the war in Ukraine. – Many people ask whether the film has become more or less updated after Russia entered Ukraine. I would say more, because people have become more aware of how close war can be. Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich suffered their first defeat in Narvik. Bonnevie adds: – I also think this film should primarily remind us of hope; we have beaten dictators before. Have you heard of the Battle of Narvik before? Yes No Don’t know Show result Knowledge gaps Nordisk Film, in collaboration with the company Sant og Unsant, has created an interdisciplinary teaching plan that opens up for in-depth learning and generous conversations in the classroom. The scheme will have a red thread with democracy and citizenship, says the producer. – We want to take the students on a journey of knowledge in the form of a digital tool that will then enable them to bring the energy a great film gives back to the classroom and a different and closer relationship with our own history. Nordisk Film, in collaboration with the company Sant og Unsant, has created a separate digital teaching platform about the Second World War based on the film. Among other things, an interview with defense chief Eirik Kristoffersen. Video: Educational storytelling / Nordisk Film Minister of Education Tonje Brenna (Ap) is also committed to the fact that the spotlight is now directed at what happened in the north during the Second World War. – I am glad Northern Norway is getting a film that is specifically about Narvik and the northernmost part of our country, says Minister of Education Brenna. – Insight into historical events can help to see today’s challenges in a historical context, and strengthen students’ understanding of the society we live in, says Education Minister Tonje Brenna (Ap). Photo: Even Bjøringsøy Johnsen / news She adds: – I hope it will inspire to read and learn more about how the war affected Norway, and Northern Norway in particular. The Minister of Education says it was different to live in Oslo, Narvik and Alta during the war years. – Film can powerfully convey stories that we can relate to. I think it makes a big impression on the students to be able to see a representation of what it might have been like in Narvik during the Second World War. Bonnevie believes the story from Narvik has been overshadowed by other stories from the Second World War, such as the guys at the show. Photo: NTB / NT There is still no national regulation on which curriculum is used in Norwegian schools. Therefore, it is up to the individual teacher to decide the content of the teaching. But the students will learn about the Second World War. – With this film and many other sources, there are many good sources for both training and discussions about how the war affected Norway. Open and receptive Michael Brekke has helped create the teaching platform. He believes that a film of this nature can create room for good discussions. – When you watch a film, you become emotionally more open to discussing issues. You become more receptive to processing information, he says and adds: – And we hope that offering education in this way can help young people get a closeness to what war is. By using the new film, Brekke will create good spaces for discussion about difficult topics in school. Photo: Eirik Linder Aspelund / Nordisk film According to Brekke, the platform simplifies difficult concepts, teaches young people about ethical dilemmas and rules in war. – We think that this way of learning can complement the usual learning platforms. We hope that everyone who takes part learns something and that they are left with a feeling that everyone has a role in this world to ensure peace, adds the platform creator. The film “The Battle of Narvik” will initially be shown on selected screens. On 25 December it will be launched to the general public. ALSO READ:
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