IFF '07 (mj's contribution)

THE MESSAGE (2006) Can one message change the course of your entire lifetime? The question that many don't dare to ask is challenged in this small-budget movie. The story takes place in a small town in Northern Norway in the year of 1981. A small yellow post-it note is posted on the cubicle wall of our lead actress. The note simply says: "I think you smell nice". Her thoughts start galloping at the speed of light as she ponders who the mystery man could be. The story builds up on the post-it note relationship that blossoms as the notes start appearing on a regular basis. Our anonymous leading lady decides to take a chance and leave her own note on the cubicle wall of the man she suspects of courting her with the notes. This is a story of miscommunication and misinterpretations, of smiles and suspicion, but also ultimately of discomfort and shame. A tale of how things can go desperately wrong in a town where shyness is a virtue.

The movie is a part of a larger group of movies fighting for the removal of janteloven.