First months went by too fast...

The difference between perceived and actual truth will always intrigue me.

Since we (re)launched AUR in August, I think people have watched from afar and thought we have momentum, yet the financial reality is that we are in survival mode (as many are).

The Unpolished Journal is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

It’s important to me that you read this Substack post and get a better understanding of how we think and are structured, and how I consider myself more of a writer-director than a “hardcore producer.” By that, I mean the visual storyteller in me will always triumph when I have both the director and producer hats on. This leads me down paths that make things difficult for both the company and me.

After a funding rejection, I had a conversation with a film consultant here in Norway that shifted something in me. There was this inner voice, this gut feeling, telling me I needed to distance that belief from my own voice as a storyteller.

As a director, I need to hone in on my next story rather than pursuing multiple projects to see what sticks. This may be obvious to some, but it really got me thinking about how, in the early stages of our careers, we are, to some degree, our stories. It’s so defining that my voice needs to shine through in the screenplay and the directorial approach.

And don’t get me wrong, i do agree, but I needed that feedback actually to see my trajectory in a new light.

I have this disillusioned belief that AUR will foster community and filmmaking in a new way of creating films in Norway. I recommend reading this Substack post about the “new wave” of filmmakers and how they are breaking into the industry.

Where We Actually Are

Since August, AUR has been Amir and me. We are slowly getting forward, but we have more traction as a duo when pitching ourselves and our concepts than the company does. In some sense, we are AUR, and it feels like more of our branding as a duo.

We have also struck a nerve with OSLO FILMMAKERS, and we are eager to explore this further in 2026.

But I’ve also learned the hard way that trying to be different in how I positioned AUR may have alienated us as a production partner in a well-established commercial production world. We have had the opportunity to pitch for commercial projects, and I have had many 1-on-1 meetings to broaden our network of creators and potential clients. But so far, we haven’t gotten the green light for any of our pitches – either rejected or still on hold.

Why am I saying out loud that we are in a quiet period, in a stage of financial uncertainty? It is based on the core belief that showing the ups and downs of building something and being open to changing the trajectory, as doors of opportunity open, will be what AUR is known for from the start.

Will we be going hardcore on commercial productions in 2026 or honing in on more series or feature films? As of now, we are holding both doors open.

The only thing I do know is that Oslo Filmmakers may be at the centre of it – there is an itch there, and we need to scratch it.

I will also change things with these updates. I enjoy writing these. It’s a way for me to reflect and stay present as I build this “hub of creativity,” rather than fixate on the rejections and pitches we’ve lost. But they will serve more as a reflection of our progress, and perhaps we will explore our process or a “making of” in detail.

Either way, I am excited to have a building mentality in 2026.

So, what’s Been Happening?

• We skip to the good stuff this time: We got distribution funding with help from NFI, which means THE LOUDEST CRY is heading to festivals.

• We held our second Oslo Filmmakers hangout at VEGA SCENE—great turnout, a lot of people saying “we needed this.”

• We’ve actually gotten the opportunity to meet with some Norwegian TV channels, casually floating ideas and getting them curious about what we’re doing at AUR.

• And we locked the edit on our biggest project this fall with Beforefrances. Can’t wait to spill the beans on that one next year – Stay tuned!

I’m sure I’ve forgotten something, but the last months have gone by too fast, so something must be in motion.

Going Forward

These newsletters are gonna be a bit more personal and random. My name’s on every one that lands in your inbox or on Substack, and honestly, I’m just really thankful you take the time to read what I have to say.

You might’ve noticed this type of post has switched to English.

Why?

After the last Oslo Filmmakers event, where I was speaking English basically the whole night, it hit me—writing in English makes more sense. It’s more welcoming for everyone following AUR and Oslo Filmmakers, and hopefully reaches people beyond Norway, too.