The Mother Age
Irene Kaltenborn / Norway & Sweden / 2026 / World Premiere / 75 min
Inspired by Ursula K. Le Guin and other female thinkers, a Norwegian filmmaker invites us on a sensual and richly philosophical journey of (re)discovery in the deep Finnish forests.
From the barren coastline of Finnmark to the deep forests of Finland, ‘The Mother Age’ searches for clues that can shed light on an ancient theory dating back to the dawn of humanity. Inspired by Ursula K. Le Guin, among others, filmmaker Irene Kaltenborn challenges the idea that the knife was the first tool made by humans. Rocks last, while organic materials decay—but are there still traces to be found of a parallel history of development rooted in a more gentle relationship with the world around us?
The journey of discovery takes us to the edge of the forest, where we meet people who transport us back in time in the hope of finding lost knowledge in both the earth and folklore that can turn history upside down. In a time of crisis, when artists and thinkers have once again turned our attention to nature, ‘The Mother Age’ contributes a quiet but nonetheless revolutionary rethinking of our relationship with the world. A sensual film of great philosophical richness, which above all gives us time and space to think for ourselves.