SEX
by Dag Johan Haugerud
Norway, 2024, 118'
Two chimney sweeps living in monogamous, heterosexual marriages both end up in situations that challenge their views on sexuality and gender roles.
Two men, both in heterosexual marriages, have an unexpected experience that challenges them to reconsider their understanding of sexuality, gender, and identity. One has a sexual encounter with another man, without considering it either as an expression of homosexuality or infidelity, and discusses it with his wife afterwards. The other finds himself in nocturnal dreams where he is seen as a woman, stirring confusion and leading him to question how much his personality is shaped by the gaze of others.
Reviews
"Provocative, Insightful and Entertaining"
“Its formal inventiveness (courtesy of Haugerund’s preferred cinematographer Cecilie Semec whose slow pans are a marvel to behold) and its clever writing come together in an understated comedy of the (hu)man condition”
"One of the most bold and unflinching deconstructions of masculinity we have seen in years."
"...dry wit and intriguing ideas to satisfy arthouse audiences."
"Sex offers a thought-provoking reflection on identity, sexuality and freedom sparked by a simple conversation between two male colleagues."
"Sex is a compelling exploration of ordinary men trying to figure out who they are permitted to be, how they are evolving and what their lives are all about."
News
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new acquisition: SEX
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sales news: new deals for PERFECT ENDINGS (France), SEX and LOVE (Brazil) and VERA AND THE PLEASURE OF OTHERS (Australia and LatAm)
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SEX sales in Germany, Austria, Benelux, Spain and Italy
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SEX sells to North America
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SEX sells to France, Greece and South Korea
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SEX sells to U.K. and Ireland, Czech Republic and Slovakia, Portugal, Switzerland, Ex-Yugoslavian territories and Hungary
Awards
Europa Cinemas Label 2024 - Best European Film (Panorama) - Berlin IFF 2024
CICAE Art Cinema Award - Berlin IFF 2024
Prize of the Ecumenical Jury - Berlin IFF 2024
Best Director: Dag Johan Haugerud, Best Actor in a Leading Role: Jan Gunnar Røise, Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Siri Forberg and Best Screenplay: Dag Johan Haugerud - Norwegian IFF (Haugesund) 2024
Festivals
World Premiere: Berlinale 2024 - Panorama
European FF 2024
Sydney IFF 2024
Bucheon International Fantastic FF 2024
New Horizons IFF 2024
New Zealand IFF 2024
Odessa IFF 2024
Film Fest Gent 2024
Riga IFF 2024
Cast & Crew
With: Jan Gunnar Røise (Chimney Sweeper), Thorbjørn Harr (CEO), Siri Forberg (Chimey swiper’s wife), Birgitte Larsen (CEO’s wife)
Production company: Motlys
Producer: Yngve Sæther & Hege Hauff Hvattum
Coproducers: Oslo Filmfond, Viaplay Group
Dag Johan Haugerud
Dag Johan Haugerud has established himself as one of Norway’s most influential writers and directors, in addition to being a writer of novels. With I BELONG (2012), he won Amanda for Best Film, Director, Screenplay and Female Supporting Role. The film also won the Film Critics Award and was Norway’s candidate for the Nordic Council Film Award. With BEWARE OF CHILDREN (2019), he won bigtime; in addition to the Dragon Award for Best film and Actor at the Gothenburg Film Festival, the film won a record number of 9 Amanda’s after the international premiere at Giornate Degli Autori. In addition, the film won the Film Critics Award and Nordic Council Film Prize. Haugerud has also directed the short features YOU ARE THE ONE THAT I WANT (2014) and THE LIGHT FROM THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (2020).