Norwegian documentaries Savage Mountain and Hope is a Word will both have their world premieres at Sheffield DocFest (10.–15 June), one of the main documentary film festivals in Europe.
In Hope is a Word, director Maria Galliani Dyrvik follows Nigerian poet and activist Nnimmo Bassey, who has spent his entire life fighting against oil extraction.
For decades, oil operations have poisoned the Niger Delta, bringing violence and division in their wake. When Nnimmo observes a new generation shaped by both fear and hope, he invites a group of young people to write together with him. Among them are Barinedum, an Ogoni writer; Odudu, a strong‑willed activist; and Nnimmo’s son Ukpono, a young rapper. In the safe space created by his workshops, they begin to tell their own stories through poetry – and discover both a path to healing and a tool for change. After a lifetime of resistance, Nnimmo asks himself: can they carry the struggle forward?
Hope is a Word. Photo: Smau Media
The documentary film Hope Is a Word is directed by Maria Galliani Dyrvik, marking her debut feature-length film. The film is produced by Anita Vedå for Smau Media. Hope Is a Word is selected in the First Feature Competition.
“Hope Is a Word is a collaborative project in which the participants tell their own stories through poetry. Especially now, I believe it is crucial to find ways to engage in resistance and to feel part of global struggles. My aim is to share Nnimmo's and the poets'' vision, and to inspire audiences to express themselves, feel a sense of belonging, and take ownership of the future,” says director Maria Galliani Dyrvik.
Hope Is a Word has been awarded a total of NOK 2.3 million in development and production funding from the Norwegian Film Institute (NFI). The film is selected for the International First Feature Competition at Sheffield DocFest.
Savage Mountain follows climber Kristin Harila, who in 2023 surprised the climbing world by embarking on an attempt to become the climber to summit the world's 14 highest mountains in the shortest time. Together with her climbing partner Tenjen Lama Sherpa, she achieved what many believed to be impossible: all 14 peaks in just 92 days, thereby halving the previous record held by Nims Purja. But what was meant to be her greatest triumph instead became a turning point. During the final ascent, Kristin was accused of passing a dying climber, triggering strong reactions around the world and an intense debate about ambition, ethics, and who gets to define the narrative.
Featuring never-before-seen footage from K2, the documentary Savage Mountain goes behind the controversy and seeks to shed light on what actually happened. Back in Norway, Kristin tries to rebuild her life, while her climbing partner Tenjen Lama Sherpa, in Nepal, takes part in another climber's record attempt. When tragedy strikes once again, Kristin is forced to confront the cost of the pursuit of records.
Savage Mountain. Photo: Field Productions
The film is directed by Even Sigstad, who has previously drawn attention for Aksel (2021) and the ski films Supervention (2013) and Supervention 2 (2016). Savage Mountain was previously titled Moving Mountains.
“I myself have a background as a professional freeride skier, so I know how demanding it is to be out in nature, pushing yourself both physically and mentally, while constantly having to assess risk and collaborate with others to reach a goal. But there is a razor-thin line between success and failure. By following Kristin and Lama, we were truly able to capture both sides of this – from the greatest victory to the greatest tragedy. And when tragedy strikes, it can be utterly devastating” says director Even Sigstad.
The producer is Filip Christensen for Field Productions, a production company known for extreme sports films. The company specializes in visually powerful productions that combine action‑driven sports sequences with a narrative approach.
The documentary film has been awarded a total of NOK 2.1 million in development and production funding from the Norwegian Film Institute (NFI). Savage Mouintain is showing in the Journeys section at Sheffield DocFest.
Several co-productions with a Norwegian co-producer are also being screened in Sheffield:
Manager International Relations, Documentaries
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