Summary

”Kjære Lisa,” ("Dear Lisa") is a feature-length documentary that intimately follows the Dahlman family, set against the picturesque backdrop of Halden, Norway. Stine’s homecoming becomes a catalyst for this family’s rediscovery as it becomes apparent that she plays a larger role in the future of Lars and Lisas’ relationship. These three become the triad of our story as the family navigates the intricate web of their past. While looking towards the future, new opportunities arise for the three to grow closer than ever before, including Stine sharing the life she’s built in New York for the first time.

Halden is a sleepy little town where Lisa gets to be a star. Quiet and picturesque, it lies in the shadow of the 17th century Fredriksten fortress on the border of Sweden and Norway. The Dahlman's have lived in this town for many years and are a staple within the community. Lisa’s life here is very social. Having Williams Syndrome comes with elevated health risks, specifically heart complications, that regularly need to be monitored. In Feb '23, Lisa was rushed to the hospital. Her blood pressure and heart rate dropped dangerously low which called for a pacemaker to be put in. While this was happening, her family stayed by her side.

Between Lisa’s health risks and Stine’s aging grandparents, there is a dawning realization that Lars may soon become the sole familial caretaker of his sister. We see this time together as an opportunity to better understand Lars’ fear of change and finally dive into the tender parts of their childhood. Father and son, brother and sister, mother and daughter. These relationships are at the center of this story.

Production Plans

******UPDATE******

WE ARE HALF WAY THROUGH PRINCIPLE PHOTOGRAPHY!

After two very successful trips to Norway, we are officially returning this Spring to continue filming with the Dahlmans. Thank you to everyone who has helped us get this far, we couldn't have done it without you!

August ' 23 - Lisa's 50th Birthday celebration.

December '23 - Christmas and New Years.

******** WE ARE CURRENTLY HERE********

May '24 - National Norwegian Day.

August '24 - Lisa's 51st Birthday, Trip to New York City.

Meet the Team

Stine Dahlman (DIRECTOR) is a New York-based costume designer with an MFA in Costume Design from NYU Tisch, and a BFA in Fashion Design from Germany’s Akademie Mode & Design. Having been raised in both Norway and Germany, Stine’s work radiates a deep international and cultural understanding. Her formative professional experiences include assisting at the esteemed Deutsches Theater in Berlin. Now, she thrives in collaborations where boundary-pushing concepts are encouraged with the end-goal of arriving at something bold, fresh, and new that energizes an entire team. Most recently, Stine has designed costumes for the upcoming feature film Throuple, as well as award winning feature film A Love Song.

Casey Rose Houlihan (PRODUCER) is a Wisconsin- born, New York City-based Filmmaker and Producer. She was most recently seen Producing an award winning documentary entitled Navigating the Great White Way, which amplifies the voices of black creators on Broadway; and Throuple, a feature-length narrative that dives into being a queer, non-monogamous musician in Brooklyn. Casey’s day job involves location work for shows like Amazons Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Showtimes Three Women. When she’s not filmmaking she’s covering her apartment with art, eating bread with never enough butter or running around in a woods somewhere in Wisconsin.

Victoria Korty (PRODUCER) is a New York City-based Producer and Assistant Location Manager. Recent Locations credits include Netflix’s tick,tick,... boom!, HBO’s The Many Saints of Newark, and a future series for Marvel that shall not be named. She is also an active member of Local 817 Theatrical Teamsters where she was recently selected to join its Diversity and Inclusivity Committee. When she’s not overachieving, the New Jersey native is busy being a plant daddy and dreaming of producing Star Wars - The Musical.

For more information regarding this project, please contact us at sap.producers@gmail.com.

Kjære Lisa, a Documentary Fundraiser

By Sap Studios

Kjære Lisa, a Documentary Fundraiser

Follow Stine Dahlman as she returns to Norway to address the emotional distance within her family. The relationship between her disabled Aunt, Lisa, and her father, Lars, is put to the test when she brings them on a trip to her home in New York City.