A Nordic cinema invasion hits Australian winter.
Palace Cinemas is bringing the best of Nordic storytelling to Australian screens this winter with the 2026 Hurtigruten Nordic Film Festival. Running across July and August, the festival delivers a sharp lineup of new films from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, mixing acclaimed directors, box office hits and exciting breakthroughs.
Five standout titles have been unveiled ahead of the full program drop in mid-June, offering everything from bittersweet family tales to stylish psychological thrillers. Expect emotional depth, dark humour and thought-provoking stories perfect for escaping the Melbourne chill.
Hurtigruten Nordic Film Festival 2026
- 9 Jul – 2 Aug, Palace Electric, Canberra
- 10 Jul – 2 Aug, Palace cinemas, Melbourne & Ballarat
- 22 Jul – 16 Aug, Palace cinemas, Brisbane & Adelaide
- 23 Jul – 16 Aug, Palace cinemas, Sydney, Perth, Byron Bay & Ballina
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Highlights include Icelandic director Hlynur Pálmason’s The Love That Remains, a tender comedy-drama following a family through separation, featuring a scene-stealing performance from his own dog Panda. Renate Reinsve (The Worst Person in the World) leads Butterfly, where estranged sisters uncover family secrets at a Gran Canaria resort.
The Last Resort (winner of Best Nordic Film at Göteborg) throws a Danish family’s holiday into chaos when refugees arrive at their resort, forcing tough moral questions. The Kidnapping of a President delivers black comedy based on a real 1930 Finnish coup attempt gone wrong, while Sweden’s Doctor Glas offers a sleek, obsessive reimagining of the classic novel with fashion, desire and spiralling madness.
The festival continues Palace’s strong commitment to world cinema, giving local audiences access to films that have already wowed at major festivals. With venues including iconic spots like The Astor and Palace Westgarth in Melbourne, it’s set to be a winter cultural highlight for film lovers.
Tickets go on sale when the full program lands in mid-June. Whether you’re chasing emotional resonance, dark laughs or bold new voices, this Nordic showcase promises rich, rewarding cinema. Keep an eye on Palace channels for updates.
For more information, head here.
