Oska Bright Film Festival | Opening Night Feature

Our opening night is introduced by the Oska Bright programming crew with a keynote speech from Matthew Hellett followed by a performance by pianist Chapman Shum (The Piano, Ch4). We are delighted to be joined by the Being Ola team for a post-show Q&A. 

Ragnhild Noest Bergem, NORWAY (72 mins) 

This warm-hearted documentary follows a learning disabled man, Ola, who lives in the village of Vidaråsen, whose 150 residents are a mix of people with and  without disabilities. When Ola’s close friend Lasse leaves the community, he reflects on life and what he can do to become more independent. 

Being Ola celebrates the importance of equality and belonging as a basis for daring to embrace who you really are. It’s a close and honest portrait that helps bridge the gap between ‘us’ and ‘them’. 

This film is subtitled in English and has descriptive subtitles

Oska Bright Film Festival is produced by Carousel, an award-winning  learning disability-led arts charity who are recognised nationally and  internationally for their high quality work. 

Since 1982, the Brighton-based charity has been collaborating with learning disabled children, young people and adults to help them realise and achieve their artistic ambitions. Carousel challenges what  art is and who can create it and everything they do is inspired by the talents of the people they work with.