Lubna Jaffery opens up about her mother's death: – The Oscars hope hit me hard

With just days to go until Hollywood's biggest night, there's a palpable buzz building back home in Norway. Joachim Trier, Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas are ready to fly the flag on the red carpet with 'The Worst Person in the World'. But the film industry isn't the only one with a vested interest. Minister for Culture Lubna Jaffery admits this year's Oscars race holds deeply personal significance.

A loss that leaves its mark

A few years ago, Lubna Jaffery lost her mother. In previous interviews, she's been open about their incredibly close bond, and how her mother always encouraged her to forge her own path. Now, in the midst of Oscars fever, those memories have come flooding back.

– It's funny how art can hit you right in the heart when you least expect it. I saw 'The Worst Person in the World' with my mum when it was in cinemas, Jaffery shares in an interview.

She describes a scene where the protagonist, Julie, loses someone close to her, as almost unbearably powerful to watch now, in hindsight.

– My mum loved film and storytelling. She would have absolutely loved seeing this Norwegian team shine in Los Angeles. That's why this Oscars hope feels like an echo of her belief in me – and in Norwegian culture, says a visibly moved Jaffery.

Brotherly love and everyday joys

While her mother's spirit is present in the minister's office, there's another man in her life keeping her spirits up: her little brother. Lately, he's been entertaining his sister's social media followers with his "annoying" antics – from pinching the last chocolate biscuit to turning up unannounced at her office with a coffee.

• "Sweet brother" – as she affectionately calls him – has become a bit of a sensation in the comments section.
• "Annoying, but irreplaceable", Jaffery recently wrote in a social media post, which garnered thousands of likes.
• Many have praised her for showing an informal and warm side of politics amid a hectic schedule.

– He's my brother, and he's pretty much like most brothers: a bit of a pest, but always there when it counts. It's good to have someone to have a laugh with when the world gets too serious, she says with a smile.

The Minister's role in Norwegian film

Beyond the personal stories, Lubna Jaffery is also Norway's leading voice in cultural policy. She has made it clear she wants to strengthen Norwegian film production, and sees the Oscar nomination as validation that Norwegian stories are reaching a global audience.

– This isn't just an achievement for Joachim, Renate and Inga. It's a win for the entire Norwegian film community, for everyone working behind the scenes, and for the audience who finally get to see themselves on the big screen, she states.

She highlights that films like 'The Worst Person in the World' put Norway on the map and open doors for new talent.

A personal and political journey

For Lubna Jaffery, the path from her mother's care to the minister's office has been a long one, but driven by the same motivation: to create something meaningful. As she watches the Oscars ceremony from home, it will be with a heart that beats both for her field and for those she has lost along the way.

– I know my mum would have been glued to the screen, just like me. And I know she would have been cheering for all the Norwegian nominees. So am I – for her sake, and for all of us who love Norwegian culture, she concludes.