Our Pioneer in Oslo, Norway: André Koot

Our Pioneer this week is André Koot — Director at Fantefilm and one half of directing duo Sander Koot, also former creative and partner at ad agency SMFB. After speaking with André we soon learnt he was destined to end up in Oslo and work in film after having won a kid’s version of the Norwegian film awards at age 12. Read on to learn what makes Oslo standout, both professionally and socially and why he recommends it to be worth a visit.

Through our Pioneers series, in collaboration with Nils Adriaans, we catch up with members of the Dutch Creative Community living abroad and ask them to send back personal ‘messages in a bottle’ about life away from the Netherlands.

Why are you where you are right now?

Being half Dutch (my dad’s from Arnhem), half Norwegian I grew up in rural Norway, ultimately ending up in Oslo, as you do if you want to be in the creative business. I have been making films since my childhood — winning a kids’ version of the Norwegian film awards at age 12 being my big catalyst moment. After many years as a creative and partner at an ad agency, I now focus solely on film and working as a director.

What makes you feel at home?

My house here in Oslo, which I have been renovating on and off for 10 years. It has been an outlet for the more hands-on part of my creativity. I like making stuff. And in that house, you’ll find my two kids, who are the main reason I would feel at home anywhere.

What stands out the most there (professionally)?

Oslo is a good place for small creative hot shop-type businesses, and it’s fairly easy to get things done here. The culture is more friendly and collaborative than competitive, and we’re not too fond of big hierarchies.

What is your Random Pic(k) Of The Week?

I’m currently revisiting epics by the likes of Kubrick, Scott and Nolan. These directors are mostly known for their technical and stylistic mastery, and even though they are lauded they are also criticised for being “cold”, telling distanced stories. But I think that through their grand, stylistic schemes they are conveying something profoundly human and touching. Especially Kubrick.

Their best work is able to connect with us on a personal level, and I think that’s the reason we keep coming back to their films — the humanity they capture, not their technical brilliance alone. Have a look at Kubrick’s Paths of Glory or Nolan’s Dunkirk with this in mind and you’ll be reminded of their moments of touching and true human aspects. Trying to tell stories on film myself, this is what I’m inspired by at the moment, among other things. You don’t have to make an over-explained, touchy-feely kitchen sink type film to tell a human story, you can go pretty bonkers both technically and story wise, and still capture hearts in a profound way.

What’s the best, most radical piece of work over there?

I have to mention the very recent Norwegian success at the Cannes Film Festival, where Joachim Trier’s dramedy The Worst Person In The World received a lot of praise and Renate Reinsve won Best Actress.

Who is the best, most outstanding creative over there?

There are also exciting things going on in the world of TV in Norway at the moment. That’s an area of innovation (as it obviously is in many markets). I’d like to mention my friends at Montreux Film & Fjernsyn who have exciting stuff in development right now. I’d also like to give a shoutout to my pals Jon Iver Helgaker and Jonas Torgersen who have enjoyed global success with their Netflix show Norsemen and who I’m sure will bring us more joy shortly. Last but not least I’d like to kiss my fiction colleagues at Fantefilm’s ass, by giving credit to their effort in creating big and boisterous action thrillers — a genre you traditionally wouldn’t connect with Norwegian cinema.

What ‘souvenir’ would you bring home?

Being just a half-breed who was born and raised in Norway, I’d like to turn this question around and to encourage Dutch talents to come to Oslo — to my ‘home’. It’s a good place to be both professionally and socially, and it’s not too different from home either. Just less flat.