Nordisk Panorama 2024: Ping Pong Family (by Åsmund Hasli) | Review
In Ping Pong Family, Åsmund Hasli paints a heartfelt portrait of a close-knit community of table tennis enthusiasts who have put down roots in Schous Square, Oslo, Norway.
At Schous Square in Oslo, Norway, people from all walks of life gather daily: immigrants and Norwegians, sometimes facing hardship, both young and old. United by a shared passion for table tennis (or “ping pong”), they converge around the two free-to-use tables set up in the small square. Here, they practice and compete in singles or doubles, cheered on by fellow players and passersby in a joyful, festive atmosphere that thrives in all seasons. More than just a game, these table tennis enthusiasts seek moments of camaraderie and connection. It’s this warmth and the therapeutic value of human relationships that Åsmund Hasli highlights in Ping Pong Family. The feature-length documentary had its world premiere at the Bergen International Film Festival in 2023, and is currently being presented in the New Nordic Voice competition of the 2024 Nordisk Panorama.
Inspired by the success and growing popularity of the spot, the Oslo Street Ping Pong collective was formed to promote “street ping pong” in this Oslo neighborhood. However, local authorities did not share their enthusiasm: initially refusing to add more tables, they eventually moved the existing ones to a park on the outskirts, citing complaints from residents about drug and alcohol use in the square. This decision overlooked the fact that for many, these sports gatherings provide a fragile social connection, crucial in preventing marginalization.
The film intersperses the lively table tennis matches at Schous Square with more personal scenes, where the director gives voice to the founding members of the collective and the most dedicated players. Filmed in the intimacy of their homes or during a dinner at a restaurant, they share their stories and what this diverse and inclusive community means to them.
By focusing the film on the iconic Schous Square, the director also highlights the protagonists’ development over several months. As seasons change and people grow—graduating, finding jobs, welcoming new children, or succumbing to their addictions—the square remains a constant. Making Schous Square their home, the Ping Pong Family was born, determined to pass on its legacy to future generations of players.
Ping Pong Family is an official selection of Malmö-based Nordisk Panorama, whose 35th edition is running on September 19-24, 2024.
