Don't Call Me Mama
Don't Call Me Mama is a Norwegian drama film directed by Nina Knag in her debut feature. The film is about "forbidden love, as it confronts its protagonists with a moral test while provocatively exploring how hypocrisy can masquerade as generosity."
It was premiered at 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on 9 July 2025, and competed for Crystal Globe.
The film was released in Norwegian theatres on 31 October 2025.
Premise
Eva, a popular high school educator and spouse of the mayor, experiences a dramatic upheaval in her life after developing feelings for a young asylum seeker, sparking a forbidden relationship that ultimately results in devastating outcomes.Cast
- Pia Tjelta as Eva
- Kristoffer Joner as Jostein
- Tarek Zayat as Amir
- Kathrine Thorborg Johansen as Ingeborg
Production
Pia Tjelta was cast in the film in May 2024 along with Kristoffer Joner, Tarek Zayat, and Kathrine Thorborg Johansen. The filming began in June 2024.Release
Don't Call Me Mama had its premiere at 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on 9 July 2025, where it competed for Crystal Globe with other eleven feature films. The trailer was released on 30 June 2025, before the start of the festival by the Nordic distributor Scanbox Entertainment.Accolades
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref |
| 2025 | Karlovy Vary International Film Festival | Crystal Globe Grand Prix | Don't Call Me Mama | Nomitated | |
| 2025 | Karlovy Vary International Film Festival | Best Actress Award | Pia Tjelta | Won |