TrustNordisk Boards Mari Storstein’s Disability-Empowering Pic ‘My First Love’ From ‘The Worst Person in the World’ Producer (EXCLUSIVE)

As I sit here, captivated by the inspiring journey of Mari Storstein, I find myself utterly moved and in awe. Her story is one that resonates deeply with my own passion for using art as a tool for change and advocacy.


International rights for Mari Storstein’s debut film, “My First Love,” have been acquired by TrustNordisk.

Filming has commenced for a Norwegian movie being produced by Thomas Robsahm, who is known for “The Worst Person in the World” and “Loveable”, along with Tøri Gjenda, under the banners of Nordisk Film Production Norway and Amarcord.

Presenting a heartfelt and authentic tale about a young woman with disabilities, which addresses a significant gap in global storytelling, as reported by EbMaster; “My First Love” is brought to us by Hollywood star Ramy Youssef and “Coda” director Sian Heder. Notably, the film’s director has spent her entire life in a wheelchair, lending a unique and personal perspective to the story.

Storstein, who graduated from the Film School at Lillehammer University College in Norway with a focus on filmmaking, consistently employs her camera to portray the struggles faced by individuals with disabilities and has been recognized for her efforts with numerous awards, such as the Norwegian Gullruten (equivalent to the Emmys) in 2018 for her documentary series “Søsken,” which explores six families where one of the children has a disability.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve always found joy in weaving tales. Back when I was just a kid, my siblings and I would grab hold of Dad’s camera and produce mini-movies right here in our neighborhood, sharing the stories that filled our imagination.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, my initial foray into cinema was primarily for amusement. However, as life progressed and I encountered unfairness and prejudice, I came to understand that films could serve as potent weapons in the struggle for equality.

The initial work, titled “My First Love,” a joint creation with Tomas Myklobost, revolves around Ella, a 19-year-old woman in a wheelchair who relies on societal support. After leaving home for studies, her request for aid is denied, forcing her to live in an institution rather than the apartment she had longed for. Simultaneously, she encounters her first romantic interest.

“As a 38-year-old, I wish ‘My First Love’ was a film I could have watched when I was younger,” shared Storstein, expressing his regret over the typical screen portrayals of disabled individuals that he finds one-dimensional and stereotypical. He believes these representations, rooted in myths and internalized biases, often solidify into a misleading truth about us in society’s collective consciousness.

“She stated that merely having tales spun about ourselves isn’t sufficient; instead, we should be the ones narrating our own stories,” she emphasized.

As a passionate cinephile, I’d say my movie is all about the thrill of experiencing love for the first time, the courage it takes to bare your soul to another person when the world seems to be urging you not to. It’s a tale of youth, of finding one’s niche in this mystifying, intimidating, yet enchanting universe we live in.

As a film enthusiast, I’d put it this way: “I recently came across a captivating script that moved me deeply. It tells a powerful story about the struggle of living a life that’s not your own choice, turning you into an unwilling captor within your own existence – a subject matter that resonates significantly.” Susan Wendt, CEO of TrustNordisk, shared this sentiment when she decided to take on the project at its scripting stage.

“Wendt emphasized, ‘These tales should indeed be displayed on our screens.’ I am positively certain that Mari Storstein will narrate this story in a way that is both heartwarming and humorous, making it easily relatable for others.”

The movie supported by the Norwegian Film Institute is set to be distributed domestically through Nordisk Film Distribution in the year 2025.

As a cinephile with over two decades of film industry experience, I am particularly intrigued by the upcoming presentation at this week’s New Nordic Films market in Haugesund, Norway. TrustNordisk is representing “Loveable,” the latest production from director Lilja Ingolfsdottir, which has already garnered multiple awards at Karlovy Vary.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that three titles from TrustNordisk have been unveiled in Haugesund as works-in-progress. Among them is “Home Sweet Home,” a Danish rural drama directed by Frelle Petersen and produced by Zentropa. The Norwegian animated feature, “The Polar Bear Prince,” created by Mikkel B. Sandemose, also made an appearance. Lastly, “Three Men and a Villa,” a production by Charlotte Blom for Maipo Film (“Bikechess”) was showcased too.

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2024-08-23 12:18