Itonje Søimer Guttormsen (b. 1979) holds a bachelor’s degree in film directing from the Norwegian Film School (2008) and a master’s degree (MFA) in "film directing processes" from Valand Academy in Gothenburg (2017). Prior to film school, she worked on numerous Norwegian film productions as an assistant director, production manager, researcher, and in similar roles, alongside studies in philosophy, theatre studies, theology, and art history at the University of Oslo.

In 2021, Itonje released her feature film debut, GRITT. The film follows the title character some time after we first met her in the short film Retrett, as she embarks on a journey to manifest her ritual performance piece, "The White Inflammation", traveling from New York via Oslo to the Norwegian forests.

BUTTERFLY will be released in Norwegian cinemas on September 25, 2026, and will also be screened at Kunstnernes Hus Cinema.

You can read more about her diverse and exciting projects on her website, ANDROPIA.

Vakkert arbeid ("Beautiful Work") is a podcast series in which Marte Vold talks to filmmakers about how they work, think and doubt in their work. She tries to get answers to questions she herself wonders about as a filmmaker: What is it that gives life to a film? How do you capture it? And how do you balance artistic, material and emotional aspects in the fringe zone between the art world and the commercial film industry?

The podcast is presented in collaboration with Kunstnernes Hus Cinema.