Uncle Egg
Hauk (12), from Norway, is searching for his biological father in Germany.
Hauk (12), a boy from Northern Norway, embarks on a journey to Germany with his eccentric uncle, known as Uncle Egg, in the hope of finding his unknown biological father, Martin Müller. However, their mission becomes far more complicated when Hauk realises that there are 25,000 men in Germany with the same name. The journey puts his relationship with Uncle Egg to the test.
Director's note
Uncle Egg is based on an idea I began developing about ten years ago, about a boy who longs for a more ordinary family and sets out on a journey to Germany to find his father. Hauk grows up with a single mother and an uncle who functions as a substitute father, but he feels like an outsider because of his family's differences. The desire to fit in, the shame that troubles him and the longing for an origin he does not know drive Hauk to embark on this journey. It ends with him learning to appreciate and acknowledge the chaotic yet loving family he already has.
I have worked from the belief that children need love and care above anything else. Beyond that, it matters less whether this care comes from the child's biological parents or not. Developing a close, parent-like relationship with one's uncle is perhaps not typical, but if both child and adult feel that such an arrangement provides the love they need, there is no reason it cannot be the best solution. In the modern world, family constellations can be far more than mother, father and child, and they do not necessarily revolve around biology. There are same-sex partnerships, children are adopted and children of divorce often gain new stepparents. The classic nuclear family is not a prerequisite for children to thrive; what matters is that they receive care and love.
Biography
Torfinn Iversen is a Norwegian director and screenwriter. He participated in Berlinale Talent Campus in 2009, and his short film Levi’s Horse (2012) was selected for the Generation section of Berlinale. His debut feature film Oskar’s America premiered in the Generation section at Berlinale 2017. Iversen’s short film Bog Hole (2018) was nominated for the National Film Award Amanda. His film The Kicksled Choir (2020) was shortlisted for the 93rd Academy Awards for Best Live-Action Short.
Producer's note
When I was introduced to Uncle Egg in 2019, screenwriter and director Torfinn Iversen had already been working on the project for a while. I felt there was something very unique about its universe, and I really liked the emotional impact and originality of the story, as well as the fact that it was inspired by his own upbringing. The story deals with belonging, exclusion, shame and family relationships – topics that both children and adults will relate to.
Uncle Egg is written for the big screen and is designed first and foremost for theatrical release, as it will feature elements that require cinematic scale, sound and immersion to resonate fully.
Uncle Egg combines Arctic landscapes and natural features, such as fjords and mountains, with German cities and scenery, creating a playful, humorous and adventurous film for the whole family.
Biography
Julia Andersen is the producer and co-owner of Fjordic Film, an independent production company based in Tromsø, Norway, that primarily focuses in original written films for children and young adults. Several of the company’s productions have received major awards and been screened at A-list festivals.
Profile
Fjordic Film is an independent production company based in Tromsø, Norway, that primarily focuses on original films for children and young adults. Several of the company's productions have received major awards, most notably The Kicksled Choir, which was shortlisted for an Academy Award in 2021. Fjordic Film is jointly owned by producer Julia Andersen, CEO Jannik Dam Kehlet and director Torfinn Iversen.