International sales company Rise and Shine has acquired Norwegian documentary “In Cod We Trust,” directed by Guro Bjerk. The film will compete in the Newcomer Competition section at Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival.
“In Cod We Trust” is shot in Båtsfjord, a fishing port where “cod is more important than God,” Bjerk tells Variety. “It is a place where people have something most people have already lost: safety, trust, curiosity, freedom – and most are still open-minded.”
Bjerk adds, “ ‘In Cod We Trust’ is a portrait of a village, and a meditation on home and belonging. It reveals that in the coldest places on Earth, you find the warmest and funniest people.”
Anja Dziersk, co-founder of Berlin-based Rise and Shine, says, “There are many countries where the fishing industry is facing the same or similar problems due to overfishing and climate change. There we see a good potential.”
She adds that with “the beautiful and uplifting humor of the people” in “In Cod We Trust,” the film “could speak to many countries.”
Dziersk adds, “I first saw Guro pitch this project in 2022, and she did so with remarkable enthusiasm. Her passion was contagious, and I immediately felt compelled to join her on this project. What truly captivated me was the warmth, humor and unique milieu present in the remote fishing village.”
The film is produced by Benedikte Bredesen at Norway’s at F(X) Productions. It is co-produced by Pasi Hakkio at Finland’s Wacky Tie Films.
The winner of Thessaloniki’s Newcomer Competition will become eligible to compete for the best documentary Oscar.