Biography

Asgeir Helgestad is an award-winning director, cinematographer, writer, and producer from Norway. With over thirty years of experience in documentary filmmaking and photography, nature has always been his greatest love and source of inspiration. His work reflects a deep passion and empathy for his subjects. The newly released Frost Without Snow and Ice (2026) has already been traveling around the world winning the hearts and minds of audiences and peers. Asgeir's recent documentary, "A Call from the Wild" (2024) has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, contributing to raising awareness and support for the environmental movement both in Norway and internationally. His documentary "Queen without Land" (2018) has been showcased at more than fifty festivals, received over thirty international awards, and reached audiences worldwide. His still photography has been recognized in major wildlife photography competitions, including Wildlife Photographer of the Year. The first book he authored and photographed, "Dyr i skogen / Animals in the Forest" (2001), received the Norwegian Ministry of Culture Debutant Prize. In 2006, Asgeir established the independent film production company Arctic Light, focusing on giving a voice to nature and those creatures that might otherwise remain unseen in public discourse. He is a member of The Norwegian Society of Cinematographers and Norske Naturfotografer.
- IMDb mini biography by: Asgeir Helgestad

I think that too many people forget that we have only this planet. We have one planet and we should not destroy it. It is the most important thing I can do as a wildlife photographer for it at all. It is to show them the beauty and importance of taking care of what we have.

I think that shooting wildlife is not about getting as close as possible but [about capturing] the feeling of being there and what it is to be there in the morning light. I think that it is important for me to be out there and capture the soul of the animal actually. I do not want to just look into their world, I would like to be part of it. [...] I think it is a passion for the wildlife that drives me out there every day. This isn't just a job, it is actually from my heart.

If you have been in the Arctic, you will always carry it in your heart and mind. And to experience the dramatic changes going on there due to rising temperatures just compels you to tell the world about it.