09/02/2003 - Jens Lien's feature debut is a bittersweet comedy about being a contemporary thirtysomething

Norwegian director Jens Liens is no stranger to major international film events (two of his short films were selected by Cannes). A graduate of the London International Film School, Lien is in Berlin to present his directorial feature debut, Jonny Vang in the Panorama section.
It’s an amusing tale about Jonny, a rather dim and confused thirtysomething, and his unusual attempts at giving direction to his life. Jonny lives in a small town. The family worm farm business is in debt and Jonny’s parents have been hospitalised. As if this wasn't enough, Jonny is also having an affair with his best friend's wife.
“This is a film about the complexities of life and about our need to find ourselves without ever really succeeding,” Lien confides. “Nothing is as it appears to be for Jonny."
Lien’s Jonny Vang does his level best to try to be a responsible adult, faithful friend and perfect son. And he fails miserably.
The film was made on location in northern Norway and is the first project of a four-year-long joint venture between Maipo Film & TV-Produksjon (this is their second feature after Elling [+see also:
trailer
film profile] ) and Universal Pictures Nordic.

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(Translated from Italian)