Jon Olav Stokke

I grew up in Norway with parents who loved UK films and television. I couldn't help but be swept up in these, which is one reason I relocated in 2009 to the UK to study film. In 2011 I graduated with a BA in Film- and Television communication; since then, I have been working as a freelance editor whilst growing my directorial portfolio.
My work seamlessly crosses genres and incorporates characters who have removed themselves from society in some way or another and are individuals that, even in the most crowded places, feel the most lonely. The narrative is often set in remote, desolate locations or scenarios, far from the hustle and bustle of civilisation.

My graduation short film, The Station Master, a period drama set in the 1950s about a lonely station master longing for a romantic connection, was screened at the renowned short film festival: Palm Springs International ShortFest and San Diego International Film Festival, to mention a few. I continued my directorial career directing music videos while freelancing as an editor. Directing music videos helped me hone my skills as a fast and hard-working director with a positive attitude, where nothing is impossible.

In 2019, I wrote and directed Our Father's Cabin, a Norwegian short film about two half-brothers who meet for one last time at a remote cabin, which premiered at Palm Springs ShortFest and earned me a spot in their artist-in-residence program. It was also screened at Rhode Island International Film Festival and many others.

Last year, I directed the comedy short film Deloping, about two women from the 18th century who duel each other; it premiered last year (2022) at many top-tier festivals, including Edinburgh International Film Festival and Chicago International Film Festival. It won Best UK Short at Oxford International Film Festival and Best Period Production at the Discover Film Awards. Deloping earned me a New Nordic Voice nomination at the Nordic Panorama Film Festival.