Lubna Jaffery opens up about her mother's death: – The Oscar buzz hits me hard
With just days to go before Hollywood's most prestigious film night, there's a buzz of excitement back home in Norway. Joachim Trier, Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas are all set to represent the country on the red carpet with "The Worst Person in the World". But it's not just the film industry feeling the emotions. Minister of Culture Lubna Jaffery admits this year's Oscar race holds a particularly special meaning for her on a personal level.
A loss that leaves its mark
Lubna Jaffery lost her mother a few years ago. In interviews, she has previously been open about their close bond, and how her mother always encouraged her to forge her own path. Now, amidst the Oscar fever, those memories are coming back with full force.
– It's funny how art can hit you right in the heart when you least expect it. I watched "The Worst Person in the World" with my mum when it was in cinemas, Jaffery shares in an interview.
She describes the scene where the main character, Julie, loses someone close, as almost unbearably powerful to watch in hindsight.
– My mother loved film and storytelling. She would have loved to see this Norwegian team shine in Los Angeles. That's why this Oscar hope almost 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 watches over the minister's office, it's another man in her life who keeps her spirits up: her younger brother. Lately, on social media, he's been entertaining followers with his "irritating" antics – from swiping the last piece of chocolate to showing up unannounced at her office with coffee.
- "Sweet brother" – as she affectionately calls him – has become a bit of a sensation in the comment sections.
- "Annoying, but indispensable", Jaffery recently wrote in a social media post, garnering thousands of likes.
- Many have praised her for showing an informal and warm side of politics amidst a hectic schedule.
– He's my brother, and he's pretty much like most siblings: a little annoying, but always there when it counts. It's good to have someone to 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 proof 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 represented on the big screen, she says.
She highlights that films like "The Worst Person in the World" put Norway on the map, opening doors for new talent.
A personal and political journey
For Lubna Jaffery, the path from her mother's care to today's ministerial office has been long, but driven by the same purpose: to create something meaningful. As she watches the Oscars from home, her heart will be beating both for her field and for those she has lost along the way.
– I know my mother would have been glued to the screen, just like me. And I know she would have been cheering for all the Norwegian nominees. So will I – for her sake, and for all of us who love Norwegian culture, she concludes.