ANNA - A Tale for Tomorrow

The Story

ANNA – A Tale for Tomorrow follows the story of 15-year-old Norwegian Anna, who is deeply committed to protecting the planet. However, despite her efforts, she begins to doubt whether her actions can truly make a difference. Her journey leads her to the year 2082, where she encounters a Norway ravaged by climate disasters. Here, Anna meets not only her own granddaughter but also her older, cynical self, who has long since given up the fight against the climate crisis.

In spite of the bleak future, Anna finds hope in Nova, her granddaughter, who has yet to lose faith in the possibility of change. Together, they fight for a livable future. The film is based on Jostein Gaarder’s novel “2084 – Nora’s World” and was produced as a German-Norwegian project at the Baden-Württemberg Film Academy. It addresses the urgent climate crisis, generational conflicts, and the unwavering belief in change.

The Music

For ANNA – A Tale for Tomorrow, I had the privilege of composing a score that intertwines the organic and the synthetic, symbolizing the struggle between good and evil, hope and destruction. The music for the film was designed to reflect Anna’s journey, combining the warmth and purity of orchestral arrangements with the cold, harsh sounds of synthesizers to represent the contrasting forces at play in the narrative.

In the scenes that depict Anna’s fight for a better future, I chose to work with a full orchestra, harnessing the natural resonance of strings, woodwinds, and brass. These organic instruments evoke the essence of life and hope, underscoring Anna’s deep connection to the planet and her unwavering belief in the power of positive change. The lush orchestral sounds highlight the beauty of the world she is trying to save and embody the emotional depth of her journey.

In contrast, the darker elements of the film are represented through the use of harsh, electronic synthesizers. These cutting-edge sounds represent the destructive forces of climate catastrophe and the cynicism embodied by Anna’s older self. The sharp, abrasive tones of the synthesizers serve as a sonic metaphor for the chaos and devastation brought about by the climate crisis, creating an unsettling atmosphere whenever the destructive forces take center stage.

The combination of these two musical worlds—the organic, life-affirming orchestral sound and the cold, unyielding electronic textures—creates a powerful, emotional backdrop for the film. The score not only complements the visuals but also enhances the film’s central themes, portraying the ongoing battle between hope and despair, life and destruction.

Credits

Director: Jonathan B. Behr

Screenplay: Maj Weidlich & Simon M. Schulz

Production: Christina Honig, Merle Lola Millingen, Joachim Weiler

Music: Peter Albrecht

Cinematography: Philip Müller

Editing: Felix Karte

Cast: Hanne Klee Kjølmoen, Antonie Jasmin Salburg, Ulrike Johannson, Atheer Adel, Abel Alechenu

Production Company: Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg in co-production with Black Mary Films

Awards

FILMFEST BREMEN 2025
Best Film from Niedersachsen – Jonathan Benedict Behr (Won)

KONTRAST FILMFEST BAYREUTH 2025
Sübkültür Gülden Glöbe – Jonathan Benedict Behr (Won)

CAMGAROO AWARD 2025
SciFi / Mystery / Action – Jonathan Benedict Behr (Won)

YDA, YOUNG DIRECTOR AWARD 2024
Film School 10 minutes and over (Shortlist) – Jonathan Benedict Behr (Nomination)

FIRST STEPS – DER DEUTSCHE NACHWUCHSPREIS 2024
Mid-Length Feature Film (Nomination) – Jonathan Benedict Behr
Audience Award (Nomination) – Jonathan Benedict Behr

SHORTS OFFENBURG 2024
Audience Award – Jonathan Benedict Behr (Won)
Best Sound – Jonathan Benedict Behr (Won)
Best Sound – George Becker (Won)
Best Music – Peter Albrecht (Won)

FILMFESTIVAL MAX OPHÜLS PREIS 2024
Best Mid-Length Film (Nomination) – Jonathan Benedict Behr

FILMSCHAU BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG 2024
Best Short Film (Nomination) – Jonathan Benedict Behr

Stills

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