Sturla Brandth Grøvlen - Exploring the Creative Freedom of 'Another Round' with TLS Rehoused Canon K35 Lenses

Sturla Brandth Grøvlen is an acclaimed Director of Photography, known for his dynamic and expressive cinematography. With a career spanning numerous international films, he has worked on a variety of projects that challenge conventional filmmaking. Grøvlen gained significant recognition for his cinematography in Victoria, a film famously shot in one continuous take, and his versatile skills have made him one of the most sought-after cinematographers in the industry. His collaboration with director Thomas Vinterberg on Another Round resulted in a unique visual style that contributed to the film's global success, including its Oscar win for Best International Feature in 2021.

In the summer of 2019, before the world was upended by the pandemic, the production of DRUK (also known as Another Round) began. This film, directed by Thomas Vinterberg, marked the first collaboration between the acclaimed director and Director of Photography Sturla Brandth Grøvlen. Thomas, well-known for his groundbreaking contribution to the Dogme 95 movement, had long been celebrated for his commitment to simplifying the filmmaking process. With Another Round, the emphasis was placed on freedom and experimentation, a creative philosophy that permeated the entire production.

“We experimented a lot,” Grøvlen shared, reflecting on the production’s innovative approach. This included using the Alexa Mini and TLS Rehoused Canon K35 lenses. “The reason we chose the K35s was their versatility, close focus capability, lightweight build, and ability to provide a vintage texture without compromising the image too much. They allowed us to capture a look that wasn’t about perfection but about embracing texture and imperfections, which was key to the film’s aesthetic.”

The combination of the K35 lenses and the Alexa Mini proved invaluable for the handheld shooting style that defined the film. “We shot about 95% of the film handheld, moving a lot between close-ups and almost macro shots, without losing mobility. The lightweight nature of the K35s helped keep everything fluid.”

“We shot about 95% of the film handheld, moving a lot between close-ups and almost macro shots, without losing mobility. The lightweight nature of the K35s helped keep everything fluid.”

- Sturla Brandth Grøvlen

Grøvlen emphasized that the lenses brought a unique quality to the production, balancing modern requirements with a nostalgic, textured feel. “We spent a lot of time testing to find the right look and the best tools. The K35s gave us the flexibility we needed while contributing their own character to the film’s visual style.”

Reflecting on the film’s success, Grøvlen said, “Another Round was a special project, and the way it all came together—including the choice of lenses—played a big part in its success.” The film went on to win the Oscar for Best International Feature at the 2021 Academy Awards and won a multitude of other awards, cementing its place in global cinema.

Once again, vintage glass, including the iconic 18mm lens with its signature flare, will play a key role in shaping the look of Grøvlen's next project. “There’s something unique about vintage lenses,” he concluded. “They bring a lot of character and texture, and that’s what we’re drawn to.”

You can find out more about Sturla's productions on his Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/supersturla/).