"Falling in love and breaking up are some of the most intimate and personal things. But the feelings are also in a way larger than life. That's why I think science fiction as a narrative framework fits quite well with some of the most intimate feelings we can have. I wanted to make a kind of reverse space journey," says Ulaa Salim about 'Eternal', which has its world premiere in Rotterdam on January 27th and then participates in the main competition at the Gothenburg Film Festival.
In 'Eternal', a violent earthquake causes a mysterious crack in the seabed several kilometres below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. The phenomenon accelerates global climate change and is a threat to humanity. Far from there, sparks fly between young Elias and Anita, and a passionate love affair begins – but also ends. Later, in adulthood, Elias is assigned a key role on the team of scientists who are to close the crack at the bottom of the sea. But when he meets Anita again, he is faced with the life he chose to leave behind.
As with Ulaa Salim's debut film 'Sons of Denmark' from 2019, he has both written the script and directed 'Eternal'. And a common denominator between the two is the desire to imagine 'what if?':
Most people have a 'what if'. If I had just done this, it would have been like that. I think those thoughts help us develop because we think through some alternative versions. And by doing it in a film, it becomes more than a thought, because if you are invested in the character, you get to experience 'what if' – instead of letting it remain a thought."
After its international festival life, 'Forever' has its Danish premiere on April 18th. Ulaa Salim is looking forward to the film's meeting with the audience:
"One of those who have been allowed to see the film already, said that the day after he left work early and picked up his daughter from kindergarten – because he had an urge to be with her and enjoy the moment with her. If the audience can take that home, I would be really happy and proud."
