About us
Oslo/Fusion Film Festival was founded in 1990. It is one of Norway's oldest film festivals, and the only one dedicated to stories by, for, and about the LGBTQIA2S+ / QTIBIPOC community.
Oslo/Fusion has been a cornerstone of Oslo’s film festival scene since 1990. The festival has undergone a natural evolution, transitioning from "Homofilmfestivalen" (The Gay Film Festival) to "Skeive filmer" (Queer Films), and finally to its current name, Oslo/Fusion.
These changes reflect the dynamics of the queer movement and the way our society grows and changes. Our aim with the festival is to broaden the understanding—and self-understanding—among individuals who identify outside societal norms. Combating ignorance and xenophobia—often the root causes of hatred—is central to our work, which we advance through film programming and dialogue.
Oslo/Fusion is not merely an annual flagship festival in September; it serves as a year-round ambassador for film screenings and educational initiatives. Our goal is to foster openness and visibility, while improving society’s understanding of diversity regarding identity and culture. In times frequently marked by intolerance, alienation, and hatred, we wish to highlight that variations in identity, sexual orientation, and self-expression are positive forces to be acknowledged and celebrated.
As one of Norway’s few niche festivals—and the only one with a specific focus on LGBTQIA+ and QTBIPOC communities—Oslo/Fusion plays a vital role in promoting cultural diversity. Through our unique approach to film programming, we contribute to a broader, more diverse cultural landscape that reflects the multifaceted spectrum of identities within our society.
FESTIVAL STAFF
Bard Ydén - Festival and Programming Director // bard@oslofusion.no
Sophia Aronsen - Coordinator & Co-Producer // sophia@oslofusion.no
Julie Pichard - Producer // julie@oslofusion.no
Dragica Vidovic - Print Coordinator // draga@oslofusion.no
Sverre Matias Smith - Content Manager // matias@oslofusion.no
FESTIVAL BOARD
Director Bard Ydén:
Festival director and head of programming, with a long and varied background as a curator and programmer, and an extensive international network within the film and art worlds.
Board member Heidi Arnesen:
Director and producer educated in San Francisco, with extensive experience in the film industry as a director and producer, known for his work on the Oscar-nominated short film "Night Ride".
Board member Marin Håskjold:
Artist, photographer, and filmmaker. Educated at the College of Art and Film in Kabelvåg (2014–2017) and Norsk Fotofagskole (2013–2014). Her artistic practice explores themes such as gender, identity, and sexuality.
Board member Vibeke Heide:
Educated as a director at the Norwegian Film School in 2008. They have written, directed, and produced several award-winning short films. In addition to this, Heide has worked in the performing arts as a director, playwright, and video designer.