Sundance 2021: Stine Blichfeldt & Rikke Gregersen
Writer-director Rikke Gregersen and producer Stine Blichfeldt talk to us about the making of their short film, The Affected, about one aeroplane passenger’s attempt to prevent another getting deported. They also tell us about their filmmaking journeys, how to stay creative in a pandemic, and what to do when a hungover actor doesn’t make it to set.
What inspired you to make this film?
Rikke: This film is inspired by a real event. The activist in the real event filmed herself the whole time and live-streamed the film on Facebook. We didn’t get to see a lot of the other passengers though, and I was curious about what kind of conversations could have happened between the other characters involved. I think the speculations about that is what made me want to make this film.
Did anything unexpected happen during the production of this? If so, how did you combat this effectively?
Rikke: The actor that was going to play the guy with the headphones had a really bad hangover, I think, and didn’t make it to set. So he had to be replaced with the father of my photographer. He ended up doing an amazing job, though, so I think it actually worked out for the better!
Stine: Actually, things went surprisingly smoothly, considering we shot at an airport, in a red zone out on the runway, and with a drone that had permission to fly just a minimum in between the take-offs and landings. However, after the shoot, I managed to do the rookie mistake of taking the keys to the equipment car with me on the plane I took home that same evening. It luckily was solved quickly, as when I landed I ran to the gate for the boarding of the last flight back to that airport and a passenger was kind enough to bring the keys back. Quite funny now, not so funny then.
Getting your film into Sundance is exciting! Do you have a favourite Sundance film?
Rikke: I think I would have to say The Squid and the Whale because I just adore Noah Baumbach, and the amazing actors in this film.
Stine: But I would say Winter’s Bone. It means to shake you, and it does.
Tell us about the first short films you made?
Rikke: I obviously made a lot of really bad stuff in film school, but I would have to say Dog Eat Dog, since this was the first short I was really happy with and that I sent to film festivals.
Stine: From the Stars was the first short we produced. We did the shoot in -20 degrees and dragged the county’s last outdoor loo for miles, before blowing it up with dynamite for one of the scenes. We had to drive up a steep road to get to our location and almost all of our cars slid out one by one off the road and needed to be dragged up. But it was a fantastic experience with amazing people and I learned a lot.
The pandemic has affected the industry in many ways, how have you keep motivated during the past year?
Rikke: I was lucky enough to have a production for a TV show that started pre-production in April. I didn’t think we would be able to go into production, but we did, and I’m really happy about that. Since then I’ve mainly been writing on my own, and honestly, it is really, really difficult being by myself this much. So I’m really eager to get into production again.
Stine: I was brought in as a producer for a TV drama for a bigger company one month before the first lockdown. I’m very grateful for the timing of this – being able to work through this difficult period with colleagues in production, feeling like the world was kind of normal – despite all the necessary efforts and measures taken in regards to the pandemic. Being a part of a production team and this great company during this first period has meant a lot and has made me optimistic despite everything going on.
What are your thoughts on the transition to virtual film festivals?
Rikke: It is obviously a bummer. Going to Sundance is maybe a once in a lifetime experience and I really would have loved to be there in person. The time difference and everything also makes it harder. But that being said, I think the festivals this year have been really creative and I’m so impressed and happy that the festivals are still happening.
Stine: I feel that virtual festivals have done a lot in terms of exposure. People are able to "go to" festivals they would not normally be able to attend. Basically, many more people are able to watch films online in the comfort of their own homes, whereas before it would only screen in a theatre across the world that they were unable to attend. Also, with limited productions, industry professionals have more time to attend the virtual festivals in search of new talents.
Who has inspired you in your filmmaking journey?
Rikke: A lot of people. I’m not as good at watching films as I wish I was. There is still so much I haven't seen. But Lars Von Trier is probably the one that made me realise I wanted to make films. I love that he really shows the least charming sides of his characters, that always makes me feel better. And Ruben Östlund is my hero, I really think every film he ever made is outstanding.
Stine: As Rikke says – a lot of people! Most of all I’m inspired by filmmakers that fill out the void for diverse voices, depicting stories that haven’t been portrayed until now. We live in the era of split demographics, so audiences are looking for more than just content that they can relate to, but content that represents them. After adopting our girl from South Africa a couple of years ago, this has been clearer to me than ever before and the lack of representation hits me in the face on a daily basis.
More importantly, who has supported you in your career?
Rikke: That is also a lot of people. Torjus Thesen is the photographer I have worked with the most, and I think he is so inspiring. Rebekka Rognøy, who is a producer and did the casting on this film, has an amazing eye for finding the right people for the right role, and has such high ambition. My boyfriend, Steinar, who acts in this film is a comedic genius, and helps me so much with all of my scripts. And working with Stine as a producer on this film was really amazing, she has been so supportive the entire journey.
Stine: My husband has been phenomenal! We met just as I was about to start my own business and he has been so supportive all the way. My grandparents have really backed me up and came to our premieres (including From The Stars). My mother finds this creative producer’s life difficult to understand but still cheers me on. And I have to mention our regional film centre – Sørnorsk Filmsenter – and daily manager until recently, Kirsten Bonnén Rask, she has been a great support and really important to my career. In addition, of course, to a bunch of people I have been so lucky to work with. I could have mentioned so many!
What do you hope audiences will take away from your film?
Rikke: I hope it makes the audience reflect on how they would have reacted in the same situation. Hopefully, they recognise themselves in some of the characters and are able to laugh a bit at themselves as well.
Stine: I hope it has and will function as a mirror. A mirror for the participants, for the viewers, even for me and Rikke. Whether we are talking about the refugee crisis, global warming, or poverty, you often point to a collective disclaimer in the Western world. With this film, we hope to have created a room where the viewer can understand the situation and reflect on what they would do themselves. By putting this herd mentality at the forefront, Rikke has painted a humorous picture of Western culture as a whole, through this one incident aboard an airplane.
Tell us three goals you want to achieve in the next five years!
Rikke: To write and direct a feature would be amazing, and to do it with the people I love working with (and have it premiere at Sundance, hehe).
Stine: Finishing a short documentary I started on a couple of years ago with a very good friend of mine (Thomas) and having it contribute to making changes in the law. I’ve never been “into” the long formats until recently, to be honest. I just love the short format and have always felt that the best short films are those that embrace the compressed format and use it to bombard the audience with style, form, and topics that push boundaries and provoke conversation. So, my third goal will simply be to keep on producing shorts.
Lastly, what are two pieces of advice you would give to young filmmakers starting out?
Rikke: I think the most important thing I've learned at film school was to make films about things I feel I have something to say about. I think that is my best advice.
Stine: I would say the same as Rikke. You must feel that you have something to say about what you want to make. Why you are making it? What drives you? If you are solid on this, the better the chances are your film will be as well.
