EXCITING NEW NORDIC CINEMA TO EASE THE WINTER CHILL

Showcasing the best new cinema from the Nordic region, a selection of first highlights have been announced which provide a first look at what’s to come for lovers of Scandi cinema. With fresh new films from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland, there’s an invigorating mix of drama, comedy and the very popular Nordic noir.

Award winning writer/director Hlynur Pálmason’s follow-up to his breakout hit A White, White Day is stunning historical drama GODLAND (Volaða land) which is the 2023 Festival Centrepiece. Featuring stunning landscapes, it tells the story of a Danish priest who goes on a pilgrimage across a largely unexplored Iceland in the late 1800s. The film stars Danish-American actor Elliot Crosset Hove, most recently seen in Wildland (SCA22).

Based on real events, LET THE RIVER FLOW (Ellos eatnu – La elva leve), is a moving portrayal of the indigenous Sámi peoples’ struggle for survival. Set in 1970s Norway it follows a young woman’s personal journey to reclaim her Sámi identity. When she suddenly finds herself in the middle of demonstrations against a big dam development in Alta, a personal journey out of the shame she has carried begins.

From Denmark comes FATHERS & MOTHERS (Fædre & mødre), a humorous portrait of the challenges of being parents to school-aged children. Featuring an all-star ensemble cast, the comedy follows a couple who must navigate hierarchy, rivalry and hidden agendas at their daughter’s new school.

For lovers of Nordic noir is Sweden’s SHADOW ISLAND (Wyspa cien), a pulse-pounding thriller, featuring a cast of emerging new talents. An aspiring meteorologist travels to a deserted island in the Barents Sea in search of the truth about his father’s passing.

FOUR LITTLE ADULTS (Neljä pientä aikuista) is a modern love story from Finland. A drama with both touching and funny moments, it tells the story of a middle-aged couple on the verge of a breakup who decide to open their relationship and enter the complex world of polyamory.

The 2023 Scandinavian Film Festival will take place from 13 July to 9 August.

The full programme will be announced on 22 June when tickets go on sale.

Listing details:
Melbourne: 13 July – 2 August, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema and The Astor Theatre (selected sessions)
Sydney: 18 July – 9 August, Palace Norton, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema
Canberra: 19 July – 9 August, Palace Electric
Adelaide: 19 July – 9 August, Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas
Brisbane: 19 July – 9 August, Palace James St, Palace Barracks
Perth: 20 July – 9 August, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX & Palace Raine Square
Byron Bay: 20 July – 9 August, Palace Byron Bay