To be transferred to LøvFilm
By Anja Manou Hellem
Dovre - A Muskox Story
Synopsis
In the majestic landscapes of Dovrefjell National Park, a grandfather and his grandchild embark on a journey of discovery about Norway's iconic muskox population. Following the tradition of Asbjørnsen and Moe's folk tales, the pair explore the mountain landscape, encountering locals who share stories about this remarkable animal's history. Through these encounters, the film blends live-action present-day footage with animated sequences that transport viewers back in time.
The narrative reveals how muskox remains from the Ice Age were discovered during the construction of the Dovre railway line, and how the species was later reintroduced to the Norwegian mountains. We follow the muskox's challenging journey from Greenland to Dovre, witnessing their struggle to adapt to a new habitat. The film also explores the current situation of these magnificent creatures and the other endangered species that share their mountain home, while contemplating their uncertain future in the face of climate change and competing interests in the region.
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Mission
This film aims to raise awareness about the complex relationship between human intervention and natural ecosystems through the surprising and little-known history of the muskox in Norway. What began as research for a project revealed a shocking truth about the muskox's reintroduction to Dovrefjell that most Norwegians are unaware of, despite considering the animal a national symbol.
By sharing this story, the filmmakers hope to engage audiences, particularly children and families, in important conversations about conservation, species management, and environmental stewardship. The film addresses the increasingly urgent debate surrounding the muskox's presence on Dovrefjell, where tourism centered on these animals is putting pressure on the region's endangered wild reindeer population - one of Europe's last remaining herds.
"Dovre - A Muskox Story" serves as both a cautionary tale about the responsibilities that come with manipulating nature and an inspiring call to appreciate and protect our natural heritage. Through a child's perspective, the film encourages viewers to develop empathy for wildlife and a deeper understanding of the long-term consequences of our environmental decisions.
About the film
"Dovre - A Muskox Story" is a 26-minute documentary short directed by Anja Manou Hellem, produced by Lillian Løvseth for TROLLFILM AS. The film uniquely combines live-action footage with 2D animation to create a visually distinctive storytelling approach aimed at a family audience, with a primary target demographic of children aged 7-12.
The animation style is intentionally limited in movement, similar to anime, where not everything moves at once, but rather key elements are animated while the main image remains static. This technique creates a sense of memory and nostalgia while also being cost-effective. The visual aesthetic is designed by concept artist Alexandria Neonakis, known for her work on "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" and various video games including "The Last of Us" series.
The film is being developed as a Norwegian-Lithuanian co-production, with approximately 67% of the funding from Norway and the remaining 33% from international partners. Production is scheduled to begin in Q3 2025, with completion expected in Q2 2026. The creative team includes animation consultant Ole Christoffer Haga, script consultant Trond M.K. Venaasen, and composer Stein Berge Svendsen, all based in Norway's Innlandet region. While conceived as a standalone short film, the concept has potential for development into a series format exploring different challenges within Norway's national parks.