(for TIME Studios)
Written & Directed by Darren R. Mann
Welcome to Longyearbyen, the only settlement in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. Situated 300 miles from the North Pole, where polar bears outnumber humans, and bearing the distinction of being the northernmost town in the world, Longyearbyen is a community with an unforgiving climate, dreary isolation and an uncertain economic future. Like many small towns, Longyearbyen was once a bustling industrial hub that’s now struggling to find innovative ways to sustain itself. Meet Pastor Leif, hospitality expert Anna Lisa, coal miner Linda, artist Olaf. Take a sip of “Polar Beer”—the local brew. And then take a boat to meet Sasha, the only resident and sole guardian of Pyramiden, a frozen museum to the good/bad old days of the Soviet Union. THIS COLD LIFE is a visually stunning portrait that illuminates a tight knit group of colorful and resourceful residents who are dedicated to preserving the land they call home.
Mann-made Pictures world premiered THIS COLD LIFE at Hot Docs International Film Festival in Toronto, and it has has gone on to win multiple Audience Awards at festivals around the world. The film has been picked up by Sundance/AMC Channel for broadcast.
REVIEWS:
AWARDS:
Winner – “Audience Award” – 66th Trento Film Festival (Italy)
Winner – “Audience Award” – Atlanta Docufest
Winner – “Platinum Award” – Spotlight Documentary Film Awards
Nominee – “WWF Award” – Thessaloniki Film Festival (Greece)
Nominee – “Audience Award” – Beloit Film Festival
PRESS:
TV FOX2 ST. LOUIS – TORONTO STAR – THE EAST MAG