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Hjartahel

A mortally ill man from Midgard lives out his final days in solitude, tormented by a peculiar memory from his past. To his bewilderment, his death does not mark the end of his journey.

  • Daniel Ashkov
    Director
  • Daniel Ashkov
    Writer
  • Erwan Agudo
    Key Cast
    "Eilif"
  • Nina Portalier
    Key Cast
    "Hel"
  • Akim Korenev
    Key Cast
    "Young Eilif"
  • Maelia Willaume
    Key Cast
    "Young Hel"
  • Nikolay Ashkov
    Key Cast
    "Dead soul 1"
  • Theo Bordenave
    Key Cast
    "Dead soul 2"
  • Benoit Puyo
    Key Cast
    "Dead soul 3"
  • Pierre Vellejo
    Key Cast
    "Dead soul 4"
  • Julie Moreau
    Key Cast
    "Asgardian goddess (voice)"
  • Georgy Ashkov
    Key Cast
    "Asgardian god (voice)"
  • Daria Nasibulina
    Key Cast
    "Eilif's mother (voice)"
  • Nikolay Ashkov
    Assistant Director
  • Noa Bonnassiolle
    Additional Contributions
  • Timothee Palu
    Additional Contributions
  • Yvan Capdeville
    Additional Contributions
  • Maxime Couret Brachet
    Additional Contributions
  • Joachim Andrieu
    Additional Contributions
  • Lola Robion
    Makeup Artist
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Norse Mythology, Drama, Dark Fantasy, Mystery, Adventure
  • Runtime:
    21 minutes 25 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 27, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    3,500 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    France
  • Country of Filming:
    France
  • Language:
    Norwegian
  • Shooting Format:
    18mm, 35mm, GH5, NINJA V, S-LOG
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Sweden Film Awards

    Sweden
    Semifinalists October 2023
  • CLOUT Film Fest
    Rancho Cordova
    United States
    Best Experimental Film
  • Halicarnassus Film Festival

    BEST SHORT EXPERIMENTAL FILM
  • Third Culture Film Festival NZ
    Tauranga
    New Zealand
    Nominee - Best Costume Design
  • Third Culture Film Festival NZ
    Tauranga
    New Zealand
    Nominee - Best Production Design
  • European Short Awards
    London
    United Kingdom
    Nominee Young Filmmaker
  • Krimson Horyzon International Film Festival
    Kolkata, West Bengal
    India
    Best Experimental Film
Director Biography - Daniel Ashkov

Daniel is a French independent film director, screenwriter, film editor, photographer, and occasional actor. He studied film directing and editing in Toulouse, France, and has directed several low-budget independent short films. His passion for the world of cinema ignited at the age of 12 when he directed his first short film with friends. His primary dedication lies in the field of film directing.

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Director Statement

'Hjartahel' offers a unique and alternative perspective on one of the most intriguing characters from Norse Mythology, portraying this mythical being in a more relatable and human light. It's essential to emphasize that this short film is a work of fiction, unrelated to any specific or well-known Norse tales. While the film draws inspiration from the captivating and beautiful elements of Norse Mythology, it should not be interpreted as an accurate historical representation of the characters and settings it depicts.
My inspiration for this project stems from the enchanting world of Norse Mythology. With the title in Icelandic and the film's dialogue in Norwegian, I aim to pay tribute to the cultural heritage of Northern countries. I deeply respect the profound and awe-inspiring nature of Scandinavian mythology and its profound influence on these communities.
The intention of 'Hjartahel' is not to misrepresent or mislead in any way regarding this unique mythology and culture. Instead, it serves as a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of Norse Mythology and the people of Northern countries, reflecting my profound admiration for their rich mythology and culture.
I am deeply grateful and honored to feature the captivating song 'Helvegen' in our film. This mesmerizing piece, originally written and composed by the exceptionally talented Einar Kvitrafn Selvik and performed by Wardruna, has been reimagined by the remarkable band, KALANDRA. In my view, it stands as one of the most soul-stirring and enchanting musical masterpieces of our time. The profound influence of this composition significantly inspired the narrative of our short film.