The film forms the core of the project at ROM, but it also includes new site-specific charcoal drawings and a revisiting of Thorshaug's previous films, "Dødselgen" (2005) and "Legenden om Ygg" (2009).

Since graduating from the National Academy of Fine Arts in 2003, Marthe Thorshaug has been creating narrative films that explore established genres and realities. Human Wild is a fiction film with references to documentary, nature films, and thrillers, where the story revolves around a small group of humans encountering other animal groups. We find ourselves in a workshop-like scenario where six individuals come together to explore their primal animal instincts. They must determine their rank, which instincts hold the group together, and discover new aspects of themselves. But when the humans encounter the wolf pack and fear sets in, what happens then? How will they collaborate? How will they handle fear? And how can the animals help the human group survive?

Human Wild is an exploration of humans as animals, seeking to understand what sets us apart from other creatures. This examination of human and animal instincts and behaviors is a recurring theme in her films. Through her productions, Marthe Thorshaug has developed her own cinematic language, deliberately blending elements from different genres. The result is films with an unpredictable atmosphere, blurring the line between reality and fiction.

Thorshaug always uses charcoal drawing as a tool when developing a film. Often, she redraws the same motif repeatedly until it possesses the energy she desires. In the exhibition at ROM, she transfers this spontaneous planning onto walls and ceilings, featuring simplified depictions of animals and humans in attack or defense situations. The charcoal drawings at ROM are regarded as the film's script, providing insight into the artistic process. The film score for Human Wild is composed and performed by musician Dan-Ola Persson. The acoustic guitar-based music is created specifically for the film and plays a crucial role in shaping its character. Visitors have the opportunity to download the film's soundtrack and listen to it as they leave the exhibition.

About Marthe Thorshaug

Marthe Thorshaug (b. 1977) graduated from the National Academy of Fine Arts in Oslo (2003). Born in Hamar and raised in the countryside of Hedmark, where she currently resides, she operates her own film production company, Nerhagen Productions. Her films have been showcased at various art institutions, museums, and film festivals worldwide, including The Phillips Collection (Washington DC), Fotogalleriet (Oslo), Kunstbanken (Hamar), Whitechapel Gallery (London), and the Momentum Biennial (Moss). Her works are also held in collections such as the National Museum and the Museum of Cultural History.

Watch the film where Thorshaug retrieves her horse, Tign.
Listen to the special episode of the podcast Filmfrelst where Thorshaug meets Montages editor Karsten Meinich.

marthethorshaug.no
Instagram: @marthethorshaug