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2016

Mum’s hair

Synopsis

"Mum's Hair" is a 2016 short film directed by Maja Arnekleiv. This 5-minute pixilation documentary captures the emotional journey of a family confronting a mother's cancer diagnosis. At 16, Maja began photographing her mother, ultimately compiling 755 images over two years to document the experience. The film poignantly reflects on themes of illness, familial bonds, and the resilience found in preserving cherished memories during challenging times.

Festivals

Credits

DIRECTED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY: Maja Arnekleiv, aged 16-18

MAJA'S SIBLINGS: Juni Arnekleiv, Runi Killi Arnekleiv, Rein Arnekleiv


POST-PRODUCTION: Hammarhai AS v/Jan Otto Ertesvåg

COMPOSER AND MUSICIAN: Mattis Sørum

PRODUCER: Anita Killi


THIS PROJECT IS SUPPORTED BY: ExtraStiftelsen Helse og Rehabilistering, via Brystkreftforeningen and Trollfilm AS


THANKS TO:

Kjetil Karlsen, Ola Haldor Hådi, Øyvind Holsbrekken, Annbjørg Hovhaugholen, Marianne Bundgaard, Arngrim Ytterhus


DRØMTORP UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOL (TEST WORK):

Josefine Ytre-Eide Bjaarstad, Felix Hernandez Nohr, Hege Krogvig Bergstrand, Sidsel Lindhagen


TROLLFILM AS © 2017

Awards

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Prize

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Mission

"Mum's Hair" strives to create an intimate portrayal of resilience and love within a family faced with the emotional and physical challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Through the innovative use of stop-motion animation, the film transcends traditional storytelling to explore the themes of loss, transformation, and the enduring power of human connection.

By focusing on tender, everyday moments—like the act of caring for a mother’s hair during chemotherapy—the film seeks to normalize vulnerability and foster empathy for families navigating illness. Its mission is to inspire audiences to appreciate the strength found in small, loving gestures and to highlight the beauty of maintaining hope and connection amidst life’s hardships. Through this artistic lens, the film invites viewers to see adversity not just as a source of pain but also as an opportunity for profound unity and love.

About the film

"Mum's Hair" is a 2016 short film directed by Maja Arnekleiv, created using pixilation animation over a span of two years. The film documents her mother, Anita Killi's, battle with breast cancer, focusing on the family's experience during this challenging time. Maja captured over 3,000 photographs, with 755 selected to create this 5-minute documentary. The film has been showcased at various international festivals, including the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and DOK Leipzig, where it won the Golden Dove for Best International Animated Documentary.

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