PODCAST | Chiara Nicoletti interviews Lone Scherfig and Søren Balle, showrunner and director of the series The Shift.
The Shift, first Tv series by showrunner Lone Scherfig is at the same time emotional and realistic as it is set in the Maternity ward of a very important Danish hospital. Directed by Søren Balle, the series stars Sofie Gråbøl as Ella, the head midwife and throws out of the window every medical drama rules ever applied to welcome a documentary approach which is very effective in terms of emotions, passion and empathy. Lone Scherfig and Søren Balle describe their work on the series whose first 4 episodes screened at the 72 Berlinale in the Series section.
The Shift : Birth is one of our few unifying experiences and its arena the maternity ward where, during a busy workday, the staff experience conflicts and heartfelt joys, while striving to be at their best. On the surface, they are full of goodwill, close-knit, often witty colleagues who understand one another better than their family. Sometimes they bow to the pressure of work and huge psychological demands. Like Head of Department Ella, who is surrounded by new life each day, while secretly wishing for her own children; but she has a hard time forming close relationships. Or pediatrician Jerry, whose marriage is falling apart, a fact his religious community is not supposed to know. They and those passing through are from all walks of life, representing all facets of society. Yet they all share this place, a venue of suspense, shame, guilt and insecurity, but also a world of triumphs, humor, trust, love and unfathomable bliss.
To discover more about the 72° edition of Berlin International Film Festival, click here.
The Lovers Film Festival celebrates 40 years with 70 films from 26 countries, international guests and tributes to LGBTQI+ cinema icons. Directed by Vladimir Luxuria, from 10 to 17 April at the Cinema Massimo in Turin.