I am very much aware of the fact that I make the occasional podcast about films that listeners can't just stream, even though I wish so badly you could. The short film, MERCY, by my guest, director Hedda Mjøen, is a film like that -- it shows the moral dilemma of a woman who has to choose whether she stands by a friend accused of rape. I endeavor that the essence of the film comes through on the podcast, so if I can't show it to you, I can paint a picture about what you're seeing.

But when it's available in January or February 2026, you have to see it. And you can talk to me about it because I'll still be thinking about such a beautiful film.

In this episode, Hedda and I discuss:

• why her film MERCY will stay with you long after watching;
• the story behind the film and how much was drawn from real life;
• what drew her to filmmaking and how MERCY turned into a short film
• her focus on "ethical dilemmas", "controversial topics", and whether we'll see one of those in a romcom;
• how she casted the film in a way that let the audience identify with the characters;
• what lessons she took from this film;
• the importance of female directors and the low percentage in studio films;
• the reaction to the film on the festival circuit;
• independent filmmaking in Norway;
• what she's working on next -- including what it's like in a trial in Norway and their very different judicial system;
• if she's happy with the translation of the title (and no dubs!) for her films.

Hedda's Indie Film Highlight: LOVABLE (2024) dir. by Lilja Ingolfsdottir; THE INNOCENTS (2021) dir. by Eskil Vogt

Memorable Quotes:

"I love to make something that's thought provoking and that sticks with you and maybe makes you think about your morals or your friendship, or your loyalty, or the choices that you make."

"You just have to make sure that you have a really good translator to make the subtitles."

"Usually when you have stories, the more specific they get, the more they hit home for the audience."

Links:

Follow MERCY On Instagram

Follow Hedda On Instagram

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