“Fatherhood”, interview with director August B Hanssen at BFI Flare 2025

March 28, 2025

August B Hanssen, director on "Fatherhood", non-conventional families and fostering empathy

"Fatherhood", interview with director August B Hanssen at BFI Flare 2025 Sarah Bradbury

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During the 39th edition of BFI Flare, Fred Film Radio sat down with director August B Hanssen to discuss his documentary feature, “Fatherhood“, made alongside Even G Benestad.

He shared how gay throuple, Kris, Sindre and David, approached them to share their complex journey to becoming parents, and despite some initial hesitation, an increasingly toxic environment in Norway and beyond for the trans community gave Hanssen and Benestad the impetus to take on the project.

Hanssen explained his desire to tell a personal, intimate, human story, to foster empathy and compassion, as well as shed light on the harsh rules whose impacts are still being felt, such as trans people having to face sterilisation as recently as 2016.

Although it shares a very specific story about this non-conventional family, it also touches on many universal elements of becoming a parent and navigating relationships, bridging the gap between audience and subject.

The filmmaker also reflected on the importance of the BFI Flare as a platform for a diverse range of LGBTQIA+ films, and his excitement for showing his documentary to a London audience.

Plot

Between 1979 and 2016, trans people in Norway were forced to undergo sterilisation, depriving them of their right to bear children. Kris has dreamed of becoming a father since kindergarten. Anticipating a euphoric pregnancy, he exudes a sage positivity despite past and present injustices. Together with Sindre and David, and their devoted families, Kris becomes a part of the resistance forging change.

Written by: Sarah Bradbury

Guest

August B. Hanssen

Film

Fatherhood

Festival

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