VisitOSLO Revives Gloomy Halfdan for Winter Campaign 'It's Totally Even a City'

VisitOSLO has brought back Halfdan, the sardonic anti-tourism figure from its 2024 campaign "Is It Even a City?" for a winter follow-up titled "It's Totally Even a City." The new film, crafted by Oslo's NewsLab and directed once more by August Jorfald, garnered over five million organic views in its first week. Instead of replicating the original style, the team transformed the concept into a Christmas horror musical. Bendik Aunan reprises his role as Halfdan, who remains skeptical about his city while candidly discussing the low season from November to March. Thea Gunnes, VisitOSLO's communications and marketing head, noted audience demand for more Halfdan, shifting the sequel's focus to winter, a typically less favored tourist season. Linn Isaksen, NewsLab's managing director, stated that the first film's surprise element contributed to its success, prompting a fresh approach for the sequel, which features a song the team has been enjoying for months. The initial 2024 film achieved over 25 million organic views across various platforms. Additionally, VisitOSLO has released "Halfdan's Winter Guide to Oslo," which contains the song lyrics and highlights winter activities like floating fjord saunas, winter swimming, cross-country skiing, and sledging in local forests.