E62 • From Lockdown to Locarno • JANICKE ASKEVOLD, dir. of Solomamma at Locarno
Description
Janicke Askevold unpacks her journey from shooting Together Alone with friends during COVID to premiering her new feature Solomamma at the Locarno Film Festival. The Norwegian actor-turned-director traces how a one-page pitch led to full Norwegian Film Institute backing and a 25-day Oslo shoot that balanced long summer daylight, short 8-hour workdays, and a five-year-old co-star.
Solomamma follows Edith, a journalist and single mother who secretly seeks out her sperm donor - an encounter that evolves into love, deceit, and a search for self. Co-produced across Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland, with sound design by a collaborator of Ruben Östlund, the film examines modern solo motherhood in the wake of Norway’s 2020 legalization of single-parent conception.
Janicke’s cinematic influences span Fritz Lang’s expressionism, Billy Wilder’s Sunset Boulevard, and Maren Ade’s Toni Erdmann. On craft, she champions preparation, the power of casting chemistry tests that “made her cry,” and editing as the stage where “you can make a whole new film.”
Her advice to young filmmakers: trust your instincts, start sooner, send the story out—and don’t wait for permission.
Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look.
Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature
Listen to all episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more, as well as at www.pastpresentfeature.com. Like, subscribe, and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature
United States
