‘Don’t Call Me Mama’ Debuts Trailer Ahead of Karlovy Vary Premiere

Nina Knag’s feature debut “Don’t Call Me Mama,” which is to receive its world premiere as part of the Crystal Globe main competition at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, has debuted its trailer.

World sales for the Norwegian drama-thriller are being handled by REinvent. The distributor in the Nordics is Scanbox Entertainment.

The film centers on Eva, a popular teacher and the wife of a local politician. While volunteering at an asylum center, she meets Amir, an 18-year-old refugee and aspiring poet. Impressed by his talent, Eva mentors him and even invites him to live with them.

As her marriage unravels, Eva grows close to Amir. When she learns he’s lied about his past, she tries to cut ties – but her desire overpowers her judgment. They begin an illicit affair, which quickly consumes her.

When she discovers Amir’s involved with one of her students, her obsession turns dark. As rumors swirl and her life collapses, Eva faces a choice: protect herself or expose Amir’s secret and risk destroying him.

In a statement, Knag said, “What begins as a seemingly simple love story unfolds into something far more unsettling: a study of ego, exploitation and the subtle ways we justify selfishness while claiming it’s love or care. As Eva’s obsession deepens, she shifts from hero to antagonist in her own life.”

The film stars Pia Tjelta and Tarek Zayat, who will both attend the KV premiere.

Knag’s short films include “It’s Alright” (2016) and “The First Days” (2019). She also directed episodes of NRK’s youth series “Rumours,” and is currently developing her original drama series “Yosef Was Here,” produced by Monster Scripted.

“Don’t Call Me Mama” is produced by Eléonore Anselme and Ingrid Skagestad for the Global Ensemble Drama. Anders Hereid and Gunhild Oddsen co-produce for Screen Story.