Sisters Inherit Resort, Uncover Family Secrets

The film "Butterfly," set in Gran Canaria, centers on two disparate half-sisters, Lily and Diana, who reunite after their parents' deaths. They inherit an unfinished resort and an esoteric retreat, prompting an exploration of their family history and the narratives people construct about their lives.

Directed by Itonje Søimer Guttormsen, the movie world-premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. It features Renate Reinsve and Helene Bjørneby as the sisters, with Guttormsen drawing inspiration from the experiences of women in Gran Canaria and the island's unique status among Norwegian tourists.

"Butterfly" examines contemporary culture's habit of creating fanciful or hollow life narratives. The film finds humor in vanity, absurdity, and the strangeness that defines personal storytelling, touching on themes of belonging, mercy, and the potential for healing and transformation.

The director intentionally rooted the film in contemporary realities, including references to global events, to reflect the current chaotic world. Guttormsen aims for the film to inspire courage, encourage community, and celebrate life amidst instability, countering apocalyptic feelings and celebrating joy.

The narrative subtly comments on the patriarchy and the male gaze, with the sisters inheriting complex relationships with their mother's experience of being objectified. A male character, Chato, acts as a catalyst, discussing the 'mother wound' and the need for both men and women in healing patriarchal influences.