International sales company Rise and Shine has secured the Norwegian documentary “In Cod We Trust,” directed by Guro Bjerk. The film is set to make its world premiere at the Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival, where it will compete in the Newcomer Competition section. This acquisition highlights Rise and Shine’s commitment to promoting diverse storytelling through compelling narratives about unique communities.
### A Unique Portrait of Båtsfjord
“In Cod We Trust” captures life in Båtsfjord, a small fishing port where the community’s rhythm revolves around its most valuable resource: cod. As director Guro Bjerk shared with Variety, the town embodies values such as safety, trust, curiosity, and freedom, offering a stark contrast to the more disconnected experiences of modern life. “It is a place where people have something most people have already lost,” she explains.
Bjerk describes the film as both a portrait of the village and a meditation on concepts of home and belonging. Despite the icy surroundings, the warm and lighthearted nature of the people shines through, painting an engaging and vivid picture of life in one of the coldest parts of the world.
### Rise and Shine’s Enthusiastic Acquisition
Anja Dziersk, co-founder of Berlin-based Rise and Shine, recognized the documentary’s potential to resonate on a global scale. She noted the parallels between Båtsfjord’s challenges and those faced by fishing communities worldwide due to overfishing and climate change. “There are many countries where the fishing industry is facing the same or similar problems,” Dziersk remarked, highlighting the documentary’s universal appeal.
She recalls being captivated by Bjerk’s infectious enthusiasm when the project was pitched in 2022. “Her passion was contagious,” Dziersk said, emphasizing how the warmth, humor, and unique culture of the village instantly drew her in.
### A Collaborative Production Effort
The film is poised for impact, produced by Benedikte Bredesen at Norway’s F(X) Productions, with Pasi Hakkio from Finland’s Wacky Tie Films serving as co-producer. Such collaborations underline the shared vision and dedication to bringing “In Cod We Trust” to an international audience.
### A Step Towards Greater Recognition
Winning the Thessaloniki Newcomer Competition offers filmmakers the chance to compete for the best documentary Oscar, providing a significant platform for rising talents. “In Cod We Trust” not only exemplifies impactful storytelling but also opens up conversations about community resilience in the face of global challenges.
