Director Tobias Nölle Talks About Creating ‘Tristan Forever’ on a Remote Island: “It’s a Refreshing Experience” – EFM DocSalon
Tristan da Cunha Explored in New Film ‘Tristan Forever’
Tristan da Cunha, a volcanic island in the South Atlantic known as the most remote inhabited place on Earth, is the backdrop of the new film Tristan Forever. The documentary, directed by Tobias Nölle and co-directed by Dr. Loran Bonnardot, raises questions about the island’s future as it follows a unique story: whether the island’s population, currently at around 235, should expand by one.
The film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival’s Panorama Dokumente section, focusing on Dr. Bonnardot’s journey as he leaves behind his life as a volunteer for Doctors Without Borders to reside on the island. He faces a probationary period of one year before the local governing council decides on his permanent residency.
“[Loran] discovered Tristan da Cunha when he was 23 and formed a close relationship with the island,” Nölle explained during a Q&A session following the premiere. “Now he intends to go there and become a resident. That’s the premise of the film.”
Nölle, who grew up in Zurich and now lives in Berlin, became acquainted with Dr. Bonnardot through a filmmaking colleague. "A French co-producer told me he knew someone who was obsessed with the island and wanted to make a film," Nölle recalled. Upon meeting Bonnardot, he was captivated and quickly researched Tristan da Cunha. “I was intrigued by its extreme remoteness and decided I wanted to create this film.”
In Tristan Forever, Dr. Bonnardot navigates the challenges of integrating into the island’s community, working at a local general store, which serves as a primary shopping spot. His efforts lead to a budding romance with a local woman undergoing a divorce, capturing the island’s surreal essence, which Nölle and Bonnardot refer to as “docufiction.”
“The goal was to let viewers discover whether they are watching fiction or documentary,” Nölle remarked. “It’s a film about a utopian place, and at times, even Loran questioned its existence. Finding a balance between reality and imagination was crucial to convey the island’s unique atmosphere. Viewers often express uncertainty, and I believe that ambiguity is part of the experience.”
The film integrates authentic documentary material from 1961, featuring footage of a volcanic eruption that prompted the evacuation of the island’s residents to the United Kingdom. Contrary to expectations, many islanders returned home after just two years, despite being provided with modern amenities.
“After two years in the UK, they said, ‘No thanks, we want to go back,’” Nölle shared. “The UK offered them everything, including jobs and cars, but they still preferred to return to their remote home.”
Resupply ships visit Tristan da Cunha every few months, providing limited access to modern conveniences. “There’s no cell phone network, and internet access is restricted to certain hours for emergencies,” Nölle explained. “Being cut off feels liberating, allowing an escape from the constant connectivity of life elsewhere.”
When asked if he would consider relocating to Tristan da Cunha, Nölle responded quickly, “No.” After a pause, he added, “I loved my time there, but I missed the continent. There are no restaurants or cinemas. I understand why Tristanians choose to stay; if I had been born there, I would be happy. However, coming from the outside makes the experience different.”
Nölle concluded, “Visitors take away a piece of the island’s spirit. The community’s emphasis on solidarity over prosperity is incredibly touching—something unparalleled in other places.”
This film marks Nölle’s second feature premiere at Berlinale, following Aloys in 2016. “I love the festival; it’s very welcoming,” he stated. “Now living in Berlin, it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces at the premiere. Berlinale is perfect for films that blur the lines between genres, which is something I appreciate.”
