When a Norwegian customs officer meets a Finnish poacher and mysterious Swedish woman at the border between their homelands, they become entangled in a witty and logistical conflict where they confront law, language and prejudice.

As soon as this film starts, you know the tone to expect overall from just the camera style. Moving in and out, to focus on different elements, we’re thrown into the deep end, like the characters are, muddling through the next 10 minutes of their lives. I did wonder if it would be a mockumentary due to this, but I loved the clear ride that the story took us on. Written by Wilhelm Silba, we’re in the heart of the action, reacting and responding to the storyline as quick as the characters are able to translate between the multiple languages used. The absurdity is heightened throughout, even when we get comfortable with the scene, we’re shaken again by a wild line and reaction.

A real family affair, the short was then directed by Wilhelm’s brother, Johannes Vang, and edited by their brother Johnathan Vang. This close-knit team have really worked together to create something quick and clever, that had me giggling and gasping as we move through the lush, yet fly infested, lakescape.

One thing that really stood out for me whilst watching the film was the sound. From the flick of a fishing rod and buzz of the flies to the unsettling melody that played quietly when the moment needed it, everything really helped to solidify the land where they stood. Shot across two days, we might get lost on ground that looks the same until our trio move closer to the water later in the film, so the sound helps to pull us into the space with a visceral reaction, playing on our senses. You can imagine the coldness of the water, feel the wings of the flies on your face, you want to join the quick conversation, even though many languages are spoken.

Borderline could feel grim and murky, reflecting a tough history between countries, but instead uses simplicity and comedy to bring us in and keep us steady, as we enjoy the play before us.