Mysterious film reels to be screened after 36 years

Now a local artist is arranging a public screening of the 36 year old footage.

– I want to show these films unseen. I don't want to know what's on them, that will ruin the fun, says Kjell-Erik Ruud, a curator and local artist in Voss, Norway.

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«Spirit Of The West»

Back in 1980, a hotel in the Norwegian village received a parcel containing three film reels from David Jon Long in Monona, Wisconsin.

He was also the recipient, strongly indicating that Long would check in to the hotel and pick up the reels himself.

That never happened, though, and the reels were left in the basement, collecting dust.

But a few years ago, when the Hotel Jarl closed down, Ruud was given permission to buy furniture and other stuff that would otherwise have ended up in the trash.

That's when he discovered the three 16mm reels.

One of the reels has the title «Spirit Of The West» written on it. There are no other indications of what's on the tapes.

– I'm guessing it's about Norwegian nature, skiing or extreme wintersports, which is huge in the Voss area, Ruud says.

Will show the films on Feb. 9th

NRK has spoken to several people who worked at the Hotel Jarl in the 80s. None of them can remember anything about the parcel from the US.

On February 9th, he's arranging a public screening of the footage. The event will be free and small-scale, with an audience of only 60 people.

– I'm really excited. My only problem now is finding a projector that can actually play these films, Ruud says.

Wants to get in touch with the owner

– What if there's something on there that's not meant to be seen?

– Well, the worst-case scenario is that the footage is pornographic. But I don't find that likely at all, Ruud laughs.

The artist has been trying for years to get in touch with the owner of the film reels, but so far without any luck.

Do you have any information about David Jon Long or the film reels? Please contact the author at roy.svendsen@nrk.no