Filmmaker Thomas Robsahm has opened up about working with a-ha on their new feature-length documentary movie.
The film follows the synth-pop group over a period of four years, featuring unreleased footage and interviews with Pål Waaktaar-Savoy, Magne Furuholmen and Morten Harket.
Ahead of its UK release on May 20, the director goes behind the scenes of the project in the June 2022 issue of Retro Pop, admitting bringing the band together was a challenge.
“Most of all I wanted them together, recording new music,” he explains. “That would have uncovered much more. But, I couldn’t even get them in the same room for a talk.”
Despite this, the band was “really easy to work with and accessible most of the time,” according to Thomas, who adds that all interviews were conducted “separately.”
While promising the movie will appease fans, he confesses certain members of the group aren’t thrilled by the venture and they’ve collectively opted to avoid promotion.
“One (Pål) is not happy about it, two are,” he explains. “But since they don’t agree, I guess they decided not to promote it. Fair enough.
I knew about the conflict in the band before I started filming, but I was not sure if they would focus on it or not. They did. All three. From the first interview.
“So, yes, it would not be honest if I left all of that out.”
However, he’s cautiously optimistic about the future of a-ha, remarking: “I think the band still have it in them to make great music. It’s all up to them, really.
“You never know what’s next [with a-ha]. It might inspire them to make another new album. Or it might be their last tour…”
Read the full interview in the June 2022 edition of Retro Pop, out now. Order yours or subscribe via our Online Store or use our Store Finder to locate your nearest stockist.
