The 2023 Scandinavian Film Festival returns to Palace Cinemas this July to August with a line-up that will warm 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. It stars Danish-American actor Elliot Crosset Hove in the central role, most recently seen in Wildland (SCA22).
Based on real events is LET THE RIVER FLOW (Ellos eatnu – La elva leve), 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 SHADOW ISLAND (Wyspa cien) from Sweden. A pulse-pounding thriller, featuring a cast of up-and-coming talent, in which an aspiring meteorologist sets off to a deserted island in the Barents Sea in search of the truth about his father’s passing.
Rounding off the first highlights announcement is FOUR LITTLE ADULTS (Neljä pientä aikuista) a modern love story from Finland. A drama with touching and funny moments alike, a middle-aged couple on the verge of a breakup decide to open their relationship and enter the complex world of polyamory.
The 2023 Scandinavian Film Festival will take place nationally from 13 July to 9 August. The full programme will be announced on 22 June when tickets go on sale.
2023 Scandinavian Film Festival
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
www.scandinavianfilmfestival.com
