THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN

We met Frida five years ago. We had heard about her performance in Popstars that had touched thousands of viewers. At the time Frida was homeless and living on the streets of Cape Town, in a hard and incredibly violent reality.

The essence of the film is Frida, her person and her life today, three years after she left the street. Flashbacks filmed in 2002-2006 make up an important story constituent, to show Frida�s development, background and view of society. This is also a story about the social heritage. An exploration of how this shapes us and colours our view of the world and of ourselves. Frida has been able to change her life. Today she lives a sober life, with a stronger self-esteem. She has gone through a big change in her outlook on herself and her life. A healing process of earlier experiences is in progress. She shows us what a strong power a human being possesses. She is looking forward to new possibilities and her personality is flourishing.

Frida travelled with us to Sweden in 2003 and has since made many friends and created her own network during several journeys. Frida has received a scholarship to study music during the autumn. In Sweden Frida finds many new opportunities to develop her music. Curious, she explores life in Stockholm together with her husband Damian and they are growing from new meetings and the change of environment, which reflects our existence in a thought-provoking way. A six months stay in Stockholm together with Damian paves the way for new meetings and possibilities for development in the story.

Living under a roof, in a relationship without violence, creates peace of mind and a sense of security. It makes it possible for Frida to look ahead and to enjoy life together with Damian. Frida gets her energy from several sources. Every morning she turns on the karaoke player and sings her favourites. Apart from R & B Frida loves gospel and she draws a lot of strength from singing in church.

Frida has not forgotten her friends on the streets. She now knows that she is worth a better life and it is important to Frida to pass on some of what she has been given. She is very close to her sister Ronnie whom she often goes to see. In a reality that appears to lack warmth and closeness, there is a strong sense of community that Frida shares, that she has not dissociated herself from but treasures dearly.

Through our five year relationship with Frida and her nearest, a great trust has built up between us. This enables us to partake in and follow events in a way that gives the story a strong nearness, a concern, and evokes many thoughts about life. We meet a very alive person. Through her we get an insight into different worlds, what separates us and what unites us.

Directors: Titti Johnson & Helgi Felixson
Producer: Helgi Felixson
Production: FELIX FILM AB