From Iceland’s highlands to Norway’s courtrooms: Scandinavian cinema comes to Melbourne in July

Palace Cinemas has announced the first highlights of the 2025 Hurtigruten Scandinavian Film Festival, showcasing the finest new cinema from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland. The festival will run from July to August at Palace, Palace Nova and Luna Palace Cinemas across Australia, offering audiences a unique cultural journey through Nordic storytelling.

This year’s programme features award-winners, box office hits and thought-provoking debuts from a new generation of filmmakers alongside established directors and beloved actors from the region. The festival organisers have unveiled five standout films ahead of the full programme announcement scheduled for late June.

2025 Hurtigruten Scandinavian Film Festival

• Melbourne: 11 July – 3 August, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Penny Lane, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema and The Astor Theatre
• Ballarat: 11 July – 3 August, Palace Regent Cinema
• Canberra: 16 July – 10 August, Palace Electric
• Sydney: 17 July – 10 August, Palace Norton St, Palace Moore Park, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema
• Adelaide: 23 July – 13 August, Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas
• Brisbane: 23 July – 14 August, Palace James St, Palace Barracks
• Perth: 24 July – 13 August, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Palace Raine Square
• Byron Bay and Ballina: 24 July – 13 August, Palace Byron Bay, Ballina Fair Cinemas

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Leading this year’s selection is special presentation Quisling: The Final Days, a bold drama from acclaimed director Erik Poppe. Set in 1945 Norway, the film explores the post-liberation trial of controversial head of state Vidkun Quisling, examining themes of complicity, faith and self-deception through this historical lens.

Environmental consciousness features prominently with The Mountain, Iceland’s first officially vetted sustainable production to receive Green Film Sustainability certification. The visually stunning drama stars Ísadóra Bjarkardóttir Barney and follows a family whose life is transformed by fate, finding solace in the cosmos and a journey through the Icelandic highlands.

Danish medical drama Second Victims presents a timely reflection on contemporary healthcare challenges through the story of a neurologist facing a life-changing shift. The film features performances from festival favourite Trine Dyrholm and Özlem Saglanmak, exploring guilt and compassion within the medical profession.

Finnish debut director Paula Korva brings comedy-drama Sudden Outbursts of Emotions, following an ordinary couple who decide to open their relationship to reignite their passion. The witty and heartfelt story examines the emotional chaos that ensues when everything doesn’t go according to plan.

Completing the initial selection is Swedish film Live a Little, an intimate story about two best friends embarking on a couch surfing adventure across Europe. The bold narrative follows their journey as they navigate uncertainty and intimacy while searching for their identities.

The Hurtigruten Scandinavian Film Festival has established itself as Australia’s premier showcase for Nordic cinema, bringing diverse stories and filmmaking styles to audiences across the country.

Tickets will go on sale when the full programme is announced later in June, with screenings scheduled across eight Australian cities and regional centres. The festival’s extensive reach ensures Nordic cinema enthusiasts nationwide can access this annual celebration of Scandinavian filmmaking excellence.

For more information, head here.