Christmas on Cobbler Street

Mikal
Hovland

Mikal Hovland graduated from The Norwegian Film School in 2012 as a director. He has directed the drama series “Helium” (2018), “Blank” Seasons 2 and 3 for NRK (2019) and most recently the comedy series “Fjols til Fjells” for Discovery (2020). He has many years of experience as an advertising director and was nominated for the Young Director Award in Cannes for the advertising film “Åstedet” in 2013. His latest short film “Kartleseren” (2017) participated in the short film program at the Tribeca Film Festival. Mikal has extensive experience working with children.

Shortly before Christmas, nine-year-old Stine arrives in a small town as a stowaway on a train. She is running away from a girls' boarding school and seeking shelter from the cold winter night. She sneaks into the house of shoemaker Andersen. The old, grumpy man, who prefers to be alone and hasn't left his house for years, resists the presence of the curious girl in every way. However, their encounter not only changes their lives but also the lives of the local residents. The little girl makes the old curmudgeon realize that life is best when shared with those you love. This positively tuned and touching film with an important message for the whole family was filmed near Lillehammer, in authentic Norwegian countryside. Inspired by the popular 1979 TV series, it became a hit in Norwegian cinemas in the fall of 2023.