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