Asbjørn Høglund - A gatekeeper in the shadows

In this film, we get to know the socially engaged sculptor Asbjørn Høglund, who has made a deep impression through his contributions to the public sphere. Hundreds of people pass several of his sculptures every day, but few know who the artist is. Asbjørn is represented at the National Museum of Norway, but during his 85 years the nestor has only had two exhibitions and remained in the shadow of his sculptures throughout his life. The film explores his creative process, his legacy, and his lifelong dedication to his craft. Viewers get an intimate glimpse into his daily studio routine and experience the third exhibition of his life at Galleri Vanntårnet. As the artist reflects on his life's work, the film presents a moving contemplation of art, aging, and the enduring power of creativity.

  • Lasse Dørumsgaard Stensrud
    Director
    Midnight Sun Festival - The lost tapes, Norsk lydinstiutt - den siste omvisning, Skatten i båtbyggeriet
  • Lasse Dørumsgaard Dørumsgaard
    Producer
  • Elin Eriksen
    Producer
    Nesodden kunstforening
  • Søgnhild Østvold
    Producer
    Styreleder Nesodden kunstforening
  • Asbjørn Høglund
    Key Cast
    Billedhugger og kunstner
  • Kristin Aud Bøhn
    Key Cast
    Samboer
  • Bjørn Hansen
    Key Cast
    Tidligere NRK-journalist
  • Jon Larsen
    Key Cast
    Kunstner og musiker
  • Jan Braly Kihle
    Key Cast
    Seniorforsker/seniorgeolog
  • Paal Nilssen-Love
    Key Cast
    Musiker
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Asbjørn Høglund - En portvokter i skyggen
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    portrait, poetic, observational
  • Runtime:
    38 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 15, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    6,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Norway
  • Country of Filming:
    Norway
  • Language:
    Norwegian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Oslo
    Norway
    February 19, 2023
    Pre-premiere at Nesodden art association
  • DOKFILM - Den Norske Dokumentarfilmfestivalen
    Volda
    Norway
    May 5, 2023
    Norwegian premire
    Nominated for Best Short Documentary (Gullflugeprisen)
  • Cannes Film Awards
    Cannes
    France
    Official Selection, nominated best short documentary
  • Nordic Star Festival
    Stockholm
    Sweden
    August 24, 2023
    Swedish premiere
    Won the price for «Best Nordic Short Documentary»
  • Nordic Docs
    Fredrikstad
    Norway
    September 28, 2023
    Official selection
Director Biography - Lasse Dørumsgaard Stensrud

Lasse has worked as an editor in the TV entertainment industry for over 12 years with both fiction, talent shows, documentaries and reality. He has directed several documentary, art and short- films, and has a film education from NISS - (Nordisk Institutt for scene og studio). In 2021 he and the rest of the editing team won the Gullruten award for best editing of the TV-series Broslo.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Curator Elin Eriksen discovered Asbjørn Høglund's work and invited him to exhibit at Galleri Vanntårnet, Nesodden Kunstforening. Prior to the exhibition, Eriksen and I developed the idea to make a film about Høglund. My vision was to portray the artist and the person who works every day in his studio - despite his 85 years. I wanted to explore three aspects of the artist; who Asbjørn is in his studio, (how he processes his works and communicates them), who he is in person, as well as his role in the public space exemplified by the exhibition in Galleri Vanntårnet. The themes of the film came about as we explored these three aspects. Most of all I was excited to explore who this person, with such interesting sculptures in prominent placements of Norway was, and how come I had never heard of him.