A spirited orphan bucks trends with his hyper-woke foster mom and chases his dream of being an esteemed Scout, just like his late father.

The Badgers is a heartwarming family adventure with childhood escapades and thrilling adventures reminiscent of The Goonies and Indiana Jones. This witty film explores themes of childhood adventure, self-discovery, and the importance of integrity.

The Badgers will open the International Norwegian Film Festival’s Cinemagi program, August 16, 2025.

Storyline

When Berny (11) joins a motley Scouting troop called the Badgers, he resolves to win the Golden Scout Trophy, which his deceased father had won. However, when Berny’s radicalized foster mother, Gerdy, weasels her way into becoming the Badger's new co-leader, she cancels all future competitions. This last competition is Berny's only chance at the trophy, so he cheats through the trials to become the Badger’s selected contestant. This sparks rivalry with jr. troop leader, Lars (13), and ignites a battle for the throne between Gerdy and her naive co-leader, Gunnar. Now Gerdy leads a coup d’état and is about to seize the rights to the Scout house. Unless Berny confesses his charade, the Badger’s will lose everything; will he sacrifices winning the trophy and risk losing his newfound friends?

From the Director’s Chair

The Badgers is a mischievous, heartwarming, witty adventure inspired by my childhood experience in small-town Norway. It is a crazy cinematic experience featuring exciting Goonies-like locations, zany escapades, and witty social satire rooted in quirky, small-town characters who dislike anyone rocking the boat. The Badgers speaks to a child’s need for a role model, and asks, what is the price to pursue your dreams, and what good are they if they only serve self-gratification?

We journey with a young orphan named Bernie as he discovers identity and belonging while stubborn adults clash for control around him.

Paul M. Lundø, writer/director

International sales: Picture Tree International www.picturetree-international.com

Norwegian distributor & Scandinavian sales: Norsk Filmdistribusjon www.norskfilmdistribusjon.no

The Badgers was made with support from Norwegian Film Institute, Mediefondet Zefyr, Filmkraft Filmsenter Rogaland, and Sokndal Kommune and sponsored by Eigersund Kommune, Eigersund Næring & Havn KF, and Norway’s Guide & Scout Associations