Documentary
2025 Norway
70 minutes
Language: Norwegian
Subtitles: English
Director: Nora Nivedita Tvedt
Producer: Lillian Løvseth
A family documentary about Tuni and her best friend, the dog Salto. In September 2021, Tuni’s half-brother took his own life, and her mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Because of the difficult circumstances, Tuni finds it challenging to talk about her feelings. Shortly after her brother passed, she got a dog named Salto.
Synopsis
When life feels a little too big, it helps to have a dog who understands you – and talks back.
For twelve-year-old Tuni, the dog Salto and the cheeky cat Pus each have voices of their own. Together, they take her on new adventures, and Tuni decides to make a bucket list of things she wants to do. The list includes all kinds of things – from dancing in the rain and starting a bead-selling business, to riding a motorcycle like a true hero.
With humor, imagination, and a gallery of talking animals, the film follows how Tuni and Salto discover new ways to fill life with joy, even when the emotions they face are overwhelming.
Small Dogs Bark Loud is a warm, playful, and moving family film about the friendship between children and animals, about daring to dream, and about the power of small projects that can transform an entire everyday life.
A film that makes both young and old smile – and perhaps even create their own bucket list as they leave the cinema.
About director Nora Nivedita Tvedt (f 1998)
She was adopted from India and grew up in Norway. She graduated from the Norwegian Film School in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in creative documentary directing.
A common thread in Nora’s work is her use of fictional elements to enhance documentary storytelling. This approach allows her to tackle complex topics, such as grief, illness, and psycological violence, while still having hope and humor. Whether creating films for children or adults, she strives to make stories that leave audiences with a sense of hope and the reassurance that they are not alone.
Directors note
Small Dogs Bark Loud is a deeply personal project. I have personally found great comfort in my own pets during my childhood and after losing love dones. As it score, the film is about the bond between children and animals, but it also exlores something much greater, how we process grief, fear, and love.
Children are far more resilient and insightful than we often give them credit for. Tuni’s journey is a powerful example of that strength. She shows us that healing isn’t about checking off a list, but it’s about embracing the small, everyday moments of connection, laughter, and love.
I want this film to encourage children to express their emotions, even when words feel out of reach. It can be difficult to talk about loss and fear, especially when you’re young and feel like the world is too big. By presenting films with serious themes, we provide young audiences with a language to express emotions and spark important conversations – at home, with friends, and in school.
Raising awareness helps reduce stigma, encourages people to seek help, and sometimes, the first step can be as simple as talking to an animal. A love for animals fosters empathy and compassion, teaching us about loyalty, friendship, and unconditional love.
Children need role models who show them that vulnerabilty isn’t weakness, it is courage.
Salto is Tuni’s best friend and loyal companion, but he is also hesitant, fearful of the unknown. In many ways, he mirrors the part of Tuni that is afraid to move forward. He just wants to stay in the safety of home, avoiding discomfort. But througout the film, he becomes inspired by Tuni’s bravery, learning that life is about taking risks and stepping beyond fear. Their relationship is a delicate balance – Tuni finds comfort in Salto’s presence, but at the same time, she becomes his source of courage. It’s a beautiful, mutual exchange. When facing difficult times, you don’t have to go through them alone – sometimes, all you need is someone who listens and walks beside you.