OK
2001
By Anita Killi
The Hedge of Thorns
Synopsis
Hedge of Thorns (original title: "Tornehekken") is a 13-minute animated short film directed by Anita Killi in 2001. The story centers on Florian and Malene, two best friends who spend their days playing together by the creek. Their innocent bond is tragically interrupted when war divides their world, forcing them onto opposing sides and making their friendship forbidden.
The film explores the devastating impact of conflict through the lens of childhood, offering a poignant portrayal of the loss of innocence. With its unique cut-out animation style and a deeply emotional narrative, "Hedge of Thorns" has been widely acclaimed, screened at over 60 festivals, and honored with multiple awards.
This story, adapted from the book "Flon Flon et Musette" by Elzbieta, highlights the senseless divisions caused by war and the enduring human spirit amidst adversity.
Festivals
Credits
DIRECTOR: Anita Killi
SCREENPLAY: Anita Killi
BASED UPON THE BOOK: "Florian and Malene" (in French: "Flon Flon et Musette" (1993) by Elizbieta)
PHOTO: Anita Killi
ANIMATION: Anita Killi
EDITOR: Pål Gengenbach
MUSIC: Hege Rimestad
SOUND: Håkon Lammetun, Lydhodene AS
ASSISTANT: Espen Hansen
SCRIPT CONSULTANT: Astrid Hagen
ENGLISH VOICES:
Florian: Raoul Ekeli
Malene: Amy Aasen
Mother: Kristin Zachariassen
Father: Simon Lay
NORWEGIAN VOICES:
Florian: Erik Rimestad
Malene: Karoline Granlund Lammetun
Mother: Kristin Borge
Father: Nils Ole Oftebro
PRODUCED BY: Anita Killi/Trollfilm AS
FINANCED BY: The Norwegian Film Institute (consultant Kjersti Alver) and Trollfilm AS
PREVIOUS DISTRIBUTED BY: The Norwegian Film Institute. Please contact Trollfilm if you are interested in distributing this film in your marked.
Animation Multiplan/Cut-out 35 mm (1:1.66), 13 min.
TROLLFILM AS © 2001
Awards
Year
Prize
Award
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Mission
Fundamentally, "Far, far away" attempts to illuminate the storytelling potential already embedded within Kittelsen's visual art, suggesting that these paintings have always contained narratives waiting to be discovered and connected. The film serves as both a tribute to a master artist and an exploration of how traditional art forms can be reinterpreted through modern animation techniques.
About the film
The film is described as both beautiful and poetic in its approach to adapting Kittelsen's distinctive style, which often featured elements of Norwegian folklore, mystical landscapes, and natural scenes.