A vintage limousine owned by a local car collector has drawn a Norwegian-based film crew to Binghamton.
“My Cousin Jimmy,” produced by Norwegian broadcasting company NRK, will star Scandinavian comedian Ole Henry Snildalsli as he explores his family’s past — and potential relation to President Jimmy Carter. The film’s connection to Broome County comes in an unlikely form: a 1964 Lincoln Continental, which producers say has been used by stars throughout history, including former presidents.
According to director Magnus Skatvold, the film will focus on exploring America through its small towns and normal, everyday people. Throughout their journey, the car will be driven by its owner, Robin Alpaugh, certified business advisor for Binghamton University’s Southern Tier Small Business Development Center.
Norwegian film begins its journey in Binghamton, New York
The film’s concept, as shared by Snildalsli in Binghamton and in the project’s proof of concept, is a comment made by Snildalsli’s grandmother years ago, suggesting the family’s relation to Carter. To explore the truth behind the claim, Snildalsli and the crew will travel to Plains, Georgia — Carter’s hometown — with plenty of stops and adventures to be found along the way.
Alpaugh discovered a Facebook post seeking a historic car in January. After meeting with Alpaugh, the film crew traveled to Broome County in March to explore it as a possible starting point for Snildalsli’s road trip.
“We drove around downtown and the town of Vestal, telling them a little bit about the history and what we offer here,” said Alpaugh. “The more I learned about the film, the more it spoke to me.”
Following the trip, Alpaugh was offered a role on production, and Binghamton officially became the departure point for “My Cousin Jimmy.” As part of the film’s Binghamton stop, the crew planned to spend May 15-16 in Broome County.
The story’s concept was praised by Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, who said the county was proud to welcome the film’s cast and crew. At the press conference, Garnar officially dubbed May 15 “My Cousin Jimmy Day” in Broome County.
“What makes this journey so interesting is that it’s about more than just family history,” said Garnar. “It’s about curiosity, passion and learning about the people and communities that make up this country.”
According to City of Binghamton Assistant Director of Economic Development Joel Boyd, the film’s power will come from the balance of humor and genuine human connection developed throughout Snildalsli’s journey.
“The essence of humor lies in the sudden perception of incongruity, the delightful clash that may happen when we expect something to happen and what actually occurs,” said Boyd. “To that end, the 1964 Lincoln Continental presidential limousine is in itself a regal ride, a tremendous counterpoint for Ole’s rolling, serendipitous adventure to Plains, Georgia.”
For Skatvold, arriving in Binghamton felt “surreal,” with the director calling the area’s warm welcome and excitement the perfect start to the crew’s journey across the United States.
According to Garnar, the film’s spirit of curiosity is especially poignant given the themes of division present in today’s world.
“I also think there’s something pretty fitting about this project happening now, in a time where so much of our world feels divided,” said Garnar. “This journey is really about sitting down with people and hearing their stories and finding common ground.”
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Vintage Lincoln limo helps launch Norwegian film in Binghamton
Reporting by Riccardo Monico, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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