Being Ola (2023)

-Written by Michelle Vorob.

Being Ola is a documentary film about Ola Henningsen, a 30 year old [mildly developmentally disabled man] living in Norway. At first, it seemed he lived on a farm or co-op and I thought the film was about his small community and their acceptance of him. However, as the film progressed, it became clear the co-op is a learning center for the intellectually disabled to become self-sufficient members of society.

Interestingly, I couldn't help but wonder why the documentary was solely about this individual, inspiring as he is, versus the subject being that of the co-op learning center. More common in Europe and having originated there, immersive learning-living centers are far less common here in the US. I can't help but wonder how different life would be for more people with developmental disabilities if this type of education and assistance were available to everyone. Honestly, it was a welcoming, comfortable place and I don't know if that was unique to the center where Ola was, or if every immersive living center is like this. 

Here, if you say “group home,” opinions almost immediately turn negative or derogatory. In very stark contrast, the center where Ola was learning is welcoming and calm. It felt like a farm co-op or a friendly small town. I can't imagine anyone not flourishing in an environment like that. 

Being Ola is split between interview segments of Ola and footage of him with his friends, classmates and his life experiences, as he grows into a more self-sufficient adult. I found Being Ola to be very heartwarming and inspirational, albeit slightly long for what it was. 

Depending on where and how this documentary is intended to be viewed and implemented, it would be helpful to include more footage of the institution, or perhaps an interview with an instructor, to explain things from an educational and societal perspective.

Ola is insightful and eloquent. He freely talks about his feelings, life experience, and wanting to become as “normal” a person as possible, subjective as that is. I enjoyed listening to him and following his journey. I have no doubt Ola will succeed at whatever he chooses and I commend him for sharing his journey with the public.

Directed by Ragnhild Nøst Bergem.

7.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING