ELLING International Competition

An endearing odd couple story of two men trying to successfully navigate life on the outside after being released from a state mental institution. This tender, unique tale about the healing power of friendship broke box office records in Norway this year. When his mother-who has sheltered him his entire 40 years-dies, Elling, a sensitive, would-be poet, is sent to live in a state institution, where he meets Kjell Bjarne, a gentle giant and female-obsessed virgin in his 40s. After two years, the men are released and provided with a state-funded apartment and stipend with the hope they will be able to live on their own. Through a friendship born of desperate dependence, the skittish Elling and the boisterous, would-be lover of women, Kjell Bjarne, discover they can not only survive on the outside, they can thrive. Per Christian Ellefsen, who just received tihe Best Actor Award at the Nordic.Awards, and co-star Sven Nordin create a winning and memorable pair in Elling and Kjell Bjarne. Their guileless charm is totally convincing and effective.