Dreams – Norway

Johanne (17) falls head over heels in love with her teacher. It is her first crush and in an attempt to preserve the feeling, she writes down everything she experiences. When her mother and grandmother read what she has written, they first react with shock at the intimate descriptions, then are captivated by the book’s literary qualities. But what has actually happened between Johanne and the teacher? And should this be published as a book? 

 How can you own the truth about your own dreams and your own life? Dag Johan Haugerud’s film Dreams is a subtle exploration of both grand themes and cinematic narrative forms. The film has a seemingly simple story about a young girl, Johanne, and her intense infatuation with her teacher, Johanna. Through a well-written script with intricate use of narrative perspective, filmmaker Dag Johan Haugerud plays with both the film medium, thoughts, and emotions in ways that enable the film continue to grow long after it’s finished. The collaboration with cinematographer Cecilie Semec offers rich visual motifs, accompanied by unique music by composer Anna Nguyen Berg. These choices highlight the strong acting performances, especially by Ella Øverbye in her first leading role. Behind humorous scenes and witty dialogue, a nuanced story unfolds about the value of finding one’s own identity and becoming oneself. Dreams’ humanism and understanding of queer longing and sexuality make the film both welcome and essential in today’s political discourse. Together with his collaborators, Dag Johan Haugerud has created a finely tuned work that is sensual, tactile, and thought-provoking.

Dag Johan Haugerud is a Norwegian librarian, novelist, screenwriter, and film director. His films include: I Belong (Som du ser meg), which won an Amanda award in 2013; Beware of Children (Barn), which won nine Amanda awards in 2020 as well as the Nordic Council Film Prize; Sex, which won the 2024 Nordic Council Film Prize; and Dreams, which won the Golden Bear in 2025 at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. 

Yngve Sæther has been a producer for Motlys since 2001. He has produced some twenty features and TV-series, among them: The Man Who Loved Yngve (Mannen som elsket Yngve, 2008); Oslo, August 31st (2012); Force Majeure (Turist, 2014); Home Ground (Heimebane, 2018); and Power Play (Makta, 2023). His films have been selected for Cannes and Berlin, and received more than 30 Amanda nominations between them. 

Hege Hauff Hvattum is a producer working with television drama, feature films, and short films. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Production Management from Lillehammer University College, and Media and Art Communication from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). 

Main director: Dag Johan Haugerud 
Main writer: Dag Johan Haugerud 
Main producers: Yngve Sæther, Hege Hauff Hvattum. 
Production company: Motlys 
Distribution company: Arthaus 
Original title: Drømmer 
International title: Dreams 
National premiere: 04.10.2025 
Total length in minutes: 110