Scandinavian Film Festival 2022
Image: Margrete - Queen of the North.
The 8th Scandinavian Film Festival arrives in cinemas boasting a wonderfully curated program of 22 of the finest films from Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
Contemporary new films and retrospective titles including dramas and comedies should allure lovers of world cinema.
From Denmark comes the Australian premiere of Margrete – Queen Of The North, the historical drama which opens the film festival. Set in 1402 the story centres on one of the most powerful women in Nordic history who unionised Denmark, Norway and Sweden, the union which was threatened by enemies.
Directed by Charlotte Sieling and starring Trine Dyrholm in the titular role, this film should prove to be a crowd pleaser. The screening is preceded by an offering of Nordic snacks, wine, Carlsberg beer and lingonberry mocktails.
The closing night event is the 50th celebration of the Swedish mid-nineteenth century epic The New Land. This is the sequel to The Emigrants which tells of the hardships a Swedish family endured trying to settle in the United States. Max von Sydow and Liv Ullmann deliver impeccable performances. Nordic refreshments also included.
The Scandi Sirens program presents 4 retrospective titles starring famous Scandinavian actresses all worth revisiting on the big screen for a special low admission price. Casablanca (1942) which stars Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman, The Serpent’s Egg (1977) starring Norwegian actress Liv Ullmann, Swedish born Britt Ekland in The Wicker Man (1973) and Queen Christina (1933) with iconic actress Swedish/American Greta Garbo.
HOT PICKS
QUAKE – (Iceland). A psychological-mystery drama starring Anita Briem. A woman who loses her memory after suffering an epileptic attack tries to hide her condition fearing she may be considered unable to care for her young child.
70 IS JUST A NUMBER – (Finland). Popular Finnish singer Hannele Lauri plays the role of a woman who is reaching the golden age of 70. This romantic comedy deals with themes of love, aging and relationships. Laughter is guaranteed.
NOTHING TO LAUGH ABOUT – (Norway). A stand-up comedian’s life couldn’t be any happier. He has a booming career and is in a serious relationship, until one day his perfect world collapses around him. Is laughter the best remedy when things go wrong? A humorous drama.
