Gunnar Hall Jensen finished his son's documentary after loss

Norwegian director Gunnar Hall Jensen is known for his personal and unique filmmaking style. His latest work, "Portrait of a Confused Father," reflects on his complex relationship with his son, Jonathan. The film uses over 20 years of footage to tell a heartfelt story of love and struggle. Tragically, just three weeks before filming was set to finish, Hall Jensen learned that Jonathan had been killed. In an interview, Hall Jensen shared how he found the strength to complete the film despite his deep grief. He felt that it was his duty to honor his son and connect with audiences. The film explores their challenging relationship as Jonathan grows into a rebellious young man. It highlights the difficulties many parents face today in understanding their children, especially in the current digital age. After the devastating news of Jonathan's death, Hall Jensen went through a difficult period. He described the process of reviewing footage of his son as emotional and painful. He adopted a strategy to separate his feelings while working during the day, only to break down in the evenings. His wife often found him in tears as he processed the memories of his son. Key collaborators were essential in shaping the film. Editor Erlend Haarr Eriksson and Lucie Kon from BBC Storyville helped Hall Jensen adjust the narrative. They worked together to include the tragedy in a way that honored Jonathan while still telling a cohesive story. Hall Jensen faced challenges in deciding when to reveal Jonathan's death to viewers. Ultimately, he chose to introduce the tragedy early on in the film. He wanted to create an engaging experience for audiences while staying true to his perspective as a father. Despite the somber subject matter, Hall Jensen hopes that the film resonates with viewers. He emphasizes the importance of discussing the hazards of the internet and the impact it can have on young people. The film will premiere at CPH:DOX and is set for theatrical release in Norway in August 2025, followed by broader availability across several European TV networks.