Every Song a Story (2016)

Over centuries, lay songs have had a central place in Norwegian culture. This film is about a small community, high up in the mountains near Hardangervidda, where this musical tradition is understood and continued to this day. Through these songs, people around Møsvatn create meaningful stories about their lives, forming connections between past and future, memory and anticipation. Through constant interaction- from daily life to special occasions, from the cradle to the grave - songs are used to retell old stories while creating new ones, keeping a heritage alive and evolving. Culture is not something given, but a neverending and unfinished task. This film is about taking care of an ancient tradition, and developing it further. Warm and intimate, joyous and mournful, Every Song a Story tells us about belonging, about going away and longing for home.