Sunlit Nights
Dissociated from their own personal lives, two women form a bond over an impromptu karaoke performance that is as unexpected as it is heartfelt and meaningful.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Vilde Moberg
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! I felt the need to create something of my own and to do something that was a little different from my work as an actress. When I got into Mediefabrikken’s directing program, which is an initiative from the Norwegian Film Institute to get more women in the director’s chair, I was given the framework to pursue this idea that I’ve had about two young women who connect over an impromptu karaoke performance. The story was inspired by a real karaoke bar which is situated across the street from where I live in Gothenburg. It is the type of place where you’ll find people from all walks of life shamelessly sing their hearts. The project was done without almost any funding, just a shared passion for filmmaking and a dedication to telling this story.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
This film is about Moa, who has recently relocated to a new city where she finds it difficult to form new friendships in real life. In an attempt to break out of her own loneliness, Moa seeks out a local karaoke-bar where she finds an immediate connection with another woman. The result is both heartwarming and comical.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Thematically, Sunlit Nights explores the fear and joy of approaching the unknown. It is about renewing yourself, and seeking out the possibilities in any given situation.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The film itself is pretty unchanged from the original script, but everyone involved in the making of this film have made their imprint on the final product.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It’s been really positive. People seem to engage with the story, both the vulnerable and comedic aspects of Moa's situation.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not really. The feedback has been really rewarding and encouraging, which makes me keep wanting to write and direct.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase our film on WeAreMovingStories. The more visibility the film and the team behind it get, the better are the chances that more people get to enjoy it!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Yes!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope this film will spark some joy for the viewer and encourage more films being made by women. We need more nuanced portraits of our experiences out there!
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How do we make contact in the age of SoMe? Can/will a change in environment push you to go outside your comfort zone and maybe surprise yourself?
Would you like to add anything else?
The short film was developed and supported through production by Mediefabrikken’s directing initiative for women.
I am proud to say that all department heads and lead characters were women, and that we had a very gender balanced crew.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am performing in a play that touches on the challenges of global warming. We’re currently in our last weeks on tour. Coming up are two short films, one of which I am the co-writer.
Interview: November 2018
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Sunlit Nights
Dissociated from their own personal lives, two women form a bond over an impromptu karaoke performance that is as unexpected as it is heartfelt and meaningful.
Length: 8 minutes
Who is being interviewed for this article? Vilde Moberg
Director: Vilde Moberg
Producer: Vilde Moberg, Anna Fredrikke Bjerke
Writer: Vilde Moberg
About the writer, director and producer:
VILDE MOBERG is a Norwegian actress and filmmaker. Her work focuses on telling stories from a distinct female perspective that are challenging the way women are typically presented in film and on stage. Vilde has acted in a number of stage, film and television productions in Norway and Sweden. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Teaterhögskolan in Luleå, and is an alumnus of Mediefabrikken’s directing initiative for women. SUNLIT NIGHTS is her directorial debut.
Key cast: Frida Stavnes, Mimmi Tamba
Looking for: producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists
Instagram: @vmoberg
Funders: Viken Ung
Made in association with: Mediefabrikken