Cinematalk
Cinematalk
UW Madison Communication Arts
Ep 44 - Johanne Helgeland THE CROSSING Q&A 2021 Wisconsin Film Festival
27 minutes Posted May 13, 2021 at 1:59 pm.
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Show notes
Terry Kerr and Ben Reiser talk to Johanne Helgeland about THE CROSSING.
Ten-year-old Norwegian Gerda wants to be a musketeer, much to the dismay of her older brother Otto. He really hates her apron cape and her wooden dagger. After the sudden arrest of their parents, right before Christmas of 1942, the siblings discover two Jewish children, Sarah and Daniel, hidden in their basement and realize that their parents are part of the resistance movement. With the parents imprisoned, Gerda rises to the occasion and vows to defy the Nazis and help Sarah and Daniel escape into unoccupied Sweden. Otto sympathizes with the Nazis and only reluctantly joins his sister on her quest. The group begins a dangerous and suspenseful journey across the snowy Norwegian wilderness, frantically trying to stay ahead of the Germans who seem to have supporters everywhere. Johanne Helgeland’s feature film debut is an incredible story of friendship, courage, and doing what is right. The stunning cinematography and its talented young cast, makes The Crossing a compelling film for the whole family. Norway Amanda Award for Best Children’s Film winner. Atlanta Jewish Film Festival Emerging Filmmaker Jury Prize. (KK)