One of the delicacies in the smorgasbord of cinema that is the Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival is COPENHAGEN DOES NOT EXIST (København findes ikke), a complex psychological drama about the power of memories, in which a young man agrees to be locked in an apartment and interrogated by his missing girlfriends’ father is an obtuse, opaque, intriguing and infuriating film.
Why he allows this confinement is confusing, his confession conflicting, the power dynamics of romantic love and filial responsibility canvassed and connivance hovers in every frame.
Enigmatic performance and oblique narrative will keep you mystified throughout.
Be the first to see Festival Centrepiece GODLAND (Volaða land) is award winning Icelandic writer/director Hlynur Pálmason’s follow-up to his breakout hit A White, White Day and has been met with widespread critical acclaim. The stunning historical drama follows a Danish priest who embarks on a pilgrimage across a largely unexplored Iceland in the late 1800s.
Also be the first to see the latest from Finland’s famed auteur Aki Kaurismäki is new tragicomedy FALLEN LEAVES (Kuolleet lehdet) arriving direct from the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered rave reviews. Starring Alma Pöysti and Jussi Vatanen, it is the tale of two lonely strangers who meet by chance one Helsinki night, in search of the love of their lives.
Re-discover classics with a deep dive into the dark side of Scandinavian Cinema with SCANDI SCREAMS, a selection of six films that examine the mysterious folklore traditions and mythology that have influenced and inspired filmmakers to shape an evolving genre over the last fifteen years.
Heading the lineup of cult classics is the Closing Night selection LET THE RIGHT ONE IN (Låt den rätte komma in), celebrating its 15th anniversary. When Oskar, a shy 12-year-old boy meets the mysterious and moody Eli, their bond forever changes their lives in this influential tale of love that gets the blood pumping. In the Academy Award nominated BORDER (Gräns), Tina, a customs officer, becomes attracted to a mysterious man who challenges her unusual abilities. The unique narrative pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling, exploring universal themes of identity and acceptance.
Not to be missed is the director’s cut of Ari Aster’s MIDSOMMAR, featuring a breakout performance from Florence Pugh, who is part of group of friends travel to a remote Swedish village to participate in a seemingly innocent midsummer festival that gradually turns into a disturbing and nightmarish experience. The subversive Viking epic VALHALLA RISING stars Mads Mikkelsen as One Eye, a pagan warrior who escapes his captors with a boy and joins a group of Crusaders on their quest to the Holy Land.
The truly rare RARE EXPORTS, is an inventive dark fantasy which follows the young Pietari who thinks a secret mountain drilling project has uncovered the tomb of Santa Claus. Once seen, it will remain on your must see Christmas list. And TROLL HUNTER (Trolljegeren), an adventurous fusion of folklore and fantasy, revolves around a secretive government employed troll hunter who is responsible for maintaining the troll population and protecting the public.
The 2023 Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival will take place till 9 August.
Tickets are now on sale at www.scandinavianfilmfestival.com
Listing details:
Sydney: 18 July – 9 August, Palace Norton, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema
For more information, visit scandinavianfilmfestival.com and follow us on Insta/Facebook @ScandiFilmFest
