Sten Egil Dahl, the old writer in the movie, is based on Norwegian writer Tor Ulven. Ulven gave only one interview in his career, but is regarded as one of the most important writers in Norway during the eighties and nineties.
Tone Danielsen plays Philip's mother in the film. In actuality, she is the mother of Anders Danielsen Lie, who plays Philip.
Norway's official submission to the 79th Academy Awards for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.