Using political parties as inspration for stories about Norway is a brilliant idea. The majority of us can identify with one or more parties. All the political parties have a manifesto which gives expression to values, attitudes and mentalities that can easily turn into actions and conflicts. These are the basis of all film stories and give us a golden opportunity to make funny and serious statements about this little country Norway. Then came another idea: The petrol station. One bright head suggested that all the episodes should include a visit to one and the same petrol station. The film became a road movie full of surprises. After a while, the idea of Lasse emerged, who works at the petrol station but instead of selling petrol, he dreams about flying. He is also the witness, the one who observes all who drop at the petrol station. Debates about petrol prices frequently hit the headlines in the Norwegian media. The petrol station represents Norway. We found nine directors for the different stories - an interesting mixture of experience and talent. Each of the nine were hand-picked to match the screenplay of various episodes. Some have worked on commercials, others at TV. Some are experienced film directors, others have recently graduated from The Norwegian Film School. Together, they made quite a gang. A national film team. We had no wish to make a film about politics: this is a film about people; people who change. We witness small events which lead to big changes. Because people change, society and politics will follow suit. So in a way, we have made a political film after all, Most people live in China, but who lives in Norway? An off-beat comedy about a country that is changing. Welcome to a film bursting with surprises! Orjan Karlsen, Yngve Saether
