Restoring kelp forests in Tromsø - by Sigurd Vaagland.

When filmmaker Sigurd Vaagland showed up at a kelp forest restoration event in February 2025, he had little more than curiosity and a camera. All he knew was that Rissa Citizen Science was leading a grassroots initiative to restore the underwater forests along Sørsjetéen, a 200-meter long jetty in Tromsø city center. Originally intended as a simple Instagram reel, the project soon evolved into a short film, showcasing Sigurd's original style and creativity.

Hi Sigurd, can you introduce yourself in a few words?

Hey :) I am a filmmaker who just moved to Tromsø.

Filmmaker Sigurd Vaagland.

Your style is personal, both in terms of the technique you use and story telling. Can you tell us more about it, like where it started and what inspired you?

I started making short films when I was 14, mostly snowboard films with my friends. I really enjoyed making them and at some point I told my self that I would try to make films for a living. So far it’s working out. I think my style is constantly developing, heavily influenced by the people I meet and the projects a get to be a part of. I strive to make films that are playful and engaging, and that usually happens if you have fun while making them. It’s pretty similar to what I was doing when I was 14, but now I have more tools to make the stories come alive and a growing network of talented people to work with. I really enjoy working with 2D-animation, so these days I always try to incorporate that into my projects if it fits the story. For this film in particular the analog pictures that Jacqueline Kärcher took (also featured in the film) was a really important source of inspiration.

Sigurd Vaagland filming on Sørsjetéen (analog photo, Jacqueline Kärcher)

As an artist and filmmaker, what is it about kelp forest restoration that you find inspiring?

It was astonishing to see the effects of the project. It’s very visual and clear. You don’t really need a lot of explanation to understand that a thriving kelp forests are better for the life on our planet than urchin barrens. It feels intuitive. To see the results happening because people get together, being in the water, eating waffles and having a good time was really inspiring. Also the colors and the life in the ocean is visually stunning.

Sigurd Vaagland filming on Sørsjetéen (analog photo, Jacqueline Kärcher)

You are currently working on another project, about kittiwakes in Tromsø. Would you say a word about it?

Yes! It’s a documentary in development which I’m producing through my own company, Trefoten Film. The working title in Norwegian is «Den Store Måkefilmen». The film is about the relationship between seagulls and humans in Norwegian cities. Our culture contains a strong idea that humans are, in its core, lifted above the natural world. Many species of gulls are now struggling to survive because of human behavior fueled by this idea, and when they move into the cities to survive, with their clear and lively presence, they are not welcome. The story about the kittiwakes moving to Tromsø will be a very important part of the film. Even though it’s very dramatic and existential, it contains a lot of hope.

Is there something else you would like to add?

I really enjoyed making this film for Rissa!

Watch Sigurd Vaagland' film on Trefoten's website or directly here: