Norsk filminstitutt

How flap-flying and skipping can change your life.


Open Arms is a loving portrayal of Norwegian artist Martin Slaatto and his elderly mother, Margit. Martin is an experienced performance artist, earning extra income as an Oslo tram driver to support himself. The film follows the development of his singular fusion of dance, art and exercise of both body and mind – the Transportation Dance. This requires moving about in unexpected ways, like “fly-flapping”, “melting”, and skipping. He is energetic and enthusiastic; unwavering in his belief in the potential of his innovation. 

Margit is an artist in her own right – a poetic writer of precise and heartbreaking reflections on the experience of growing old, of losing control in a controlled environment. She is also annoyed at the Norwegian tendency to be even-tempered and “nice”: Does no one challenge anyone anymore? Why can’t people just have a laugh? Martin is a loving son and attentive listener – he plans to channel her thoughts and ailments through his own body at his next performance. His way of being is quite different to the typical Norwegian stereotype that is so frustrating to Margit, and the pure joy they get from being around each other is undeniable. 

Both are innovators, breaking new ground to the confusion, delight and sometime ridicule of the people around them. Though they might be misunderstood elsewhere, they can always find support and love in each other’s confidence. 

A heartwarming, quirky story about creative passion and the importance of moving forward both as an artist and human being, even if it is by fly-flapping in the woods on an ordinary Tuesday.  

Production and distribution

Production Year:
2019
Production country:
Norway
Release date (national):
2019-09-28
Production company:
Medieoperatørene AS
Producer:
Ingvil Giske

Director

  • Line K. Lyngstadaas

    Line is a director and cinematographer. She is currently working as a DOP on films like Highlights from the Exhibition (Birgitte Sigmundstad 2020) and My Sister Super-Stella (Mari Monrad Vistven 2020) 

    Line K. Lyngstadaas

Cast

Martin Slaatto

Festivals

2019:
BIFF - Bergen International Film Festival
2020:
Human International Documentary Film Festival
2020:
Nordic/Docs

Crew

Director:
Line K. Lyngstadaas
Screenplay:
Line K. Lyngstadaas
Editor:
Line K. Lyngstadaas
Composer:
Kim Hiorthøy
Sound Design:
Liana Degtiar
Choreographer:
Martin Slaatto
Cinematographer:
Line K. Lyngstadaas

Technical information

Genre:
Dance
Format:
DCP 2k
Screen ratio:
16:9
Colour:
Colour
Sound format:
Stereo
Length in min's:
51'
Language:
Norwegian
Subtitles:
English

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