Norsk filminstitutt

Documentary film The Secret Club
(Den hemmelige klubben)

A secret club for homosexuals was established in Oslo in 1950, when homosexuality was a criminal offence in Norway. With humour and a touch of sadness, a group of older homosexual men recall titillating episodes from their youth, as well as the negative reactions from society. Arne Heli (78) is both a father and a grandfather, but also one of the pioneers of the homosexual movement in Norway. Hans Marius Trøseid (68) chose to live the rest of his life in celibacy, while Ulf Tveten (68) decided to marry a woman. We also meet men from Sweden and Denmark.

Production and distribution

Production Year:
2003
Production country:
Norway
Release date (national):
2003-01-14
Production company:
Medieoperatørene AS
Producer:
Hanne Myren

Director

  • Kenneth S. Elvebakk

    Kenneth Elvebakk (b. 1966) studied at the University of Oslo, the Norwegian School of Management and Oslo Film and Television Academy, and has experience as both director, producer, writer, photographer and editor. He is primarily known for his documentaries, but has also made several short films and television series. His work includes the award winning documentaries Ballet Boys (2014), The Secret Club (2003) and 3269 Daisy (2007). He has also received the Norwegian television award 'Gullruten' for the TV-series Hullabaloo (2006).  

    Kenneth S. Elvebakk

Awards

2004:
Mix Brazil Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
Audience Award: Best Documentary

Festivals

2003:
TIFF - Tromsø International Film Festival
2003:
The Norwegian Documentary Film Festival
2003:
The Norwegian Short Film Festival
2003:
Oslo Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
2003:
Pink Film Days - Amsterdam Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
2004:
Brussels Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
2004:
FIPA - International Festival of Audiovisual Programs
2004:
Da Sodoma a Hollywood - Torino GLBT Film Festival
2004:
Inside Out Toronto LGBTQ+ Film Festival
2004:
NewFest - New York's LGBT Film Festival
2004:
Reel Affirmations - Washington DC's International LGBT Film Festival
2004:
Mix Brazil Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
2004:
Vinokino Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Finland

Crew

Director:
Kenneth S. Elvebakk
Screenplay:
Kenneth S. Elvebakk
Cinematographer:
Haakon Wettre
Editor:
Torkel Gjørv
Sound Design:
Kenneth Gustavsen

Technical information

Genre:
LGBT
Format:
DVCAM
Colour:
Black and White
Length in min's:
55'

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