The Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival is returning to Australia from July 17 to August 14, bringing the finest contemporary Nordic cinema from international film festivals and markets to audiences down under.
This year’s festival embraces the quintessential elements of Nordic cinema—gripping crime thrillers, dark comedies, spectacular landscapes, and exceptional cinematography.
With screenings in local theatres nationwide, the festival promises a meticulously curated program featuring some of the most remarkable films emerging from the Scandinavian region.
Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival
- Adelaide: 17 July – 7 August, Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas
- Brisbane: 18 July – 7 August, Palace James St, Palace Barracks
- Melbourne: 19 July – 7 August, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Penny Lane, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema and The Astor Theatre
- Canberra: 23 July – 14 August, Palace Electric
- Sydney: 24 July – 14 August, Palace Norton St, Palace Moore Park, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema
- Perth: 25 July – 14 August, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Palace Raine Square
- Byron Bay and Ballina:26 July – 14 August, Palace Byron Bay, Ballina Fair Cinemas
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The Riot (2023) – Directed by Nils Gaup
Making its Australian premiere, The Riot is an enthralling historical drama inspired by the events leading up to the Sulis uprising of 1907, a central moment in Norway’s labour movement. Set in the isolated mining town of Sulis, the film portrays the harsh and dangerous conditions faced by workers who ultimately band together to revolt against their oppression. Directed by Academy Award nominee Nils Gaup, this captivating film tells a powerful story of resistance and the strength of the human spirit. Featuring outstanding performances by Otto Fahlgren and Simon J. Berger, The Riot is a must-see at this year’s festival.
Stormskerry Maja (2024) – Directed by Tiina Lymi
Winner of Best Film at the 2024 Barcelona-Sant Jordi International Film Festival, Stormskerry Maja tells the poignant story of a couple’s resilience and love during the Crimean War in the 19th century. Based on the acclaimed book series by Anni Blomqvist, this compelling historical drama delves into subjects of sorrow, death, light, and love. The film showcases the marks of Finnish cinema, with director Tiina Lymi employing sweeping cinematic shots of Finland’s vast landscapes. Amanda Jansson and Linus Troedsson star as the dedicated couple, delivering exceptional performances that bring this powerful story to life.
Paradise is Burning (2023) – Directed by Mika Gustafson
Set in Sweden, Paradise is Burning is a captivating coming-of-age story that follows three sisters left to fend for themselves in the absence of their mother. Their world is carefree, wild and chaotic. When social services call for a family meeting, the eldest daughter—played by Bianca Delbravo in her remarkable debut—is forced to find someone to impersonate their mother. The film is raw, authentic, and deeply emotional, garnering numerous awards from the Venice Film Festival (2023), the Guldbagge Awards (2024), and the BFI London Film Festival (2023).
Death is a Problem for the Living (2023) – Directed by Teemu Nikki
Death is a Problem for the Living is an enriching dark comedy-drama that chronicles the unlikely friendship between two men, portrayed by Pekka Strang and Jari Virman, both struggling to make ends meet. One man faces a failing marriage and a gambling addiction, while the other grapples with a brain disorder that limits his abilities. United by their desperation and desire for a fresh start, they decide to become the city’s cheapest hearse drivers. This touching comedy explores themes of resilience and finding light in the darkest of times.
When in Rome (2024) – Directed by Niclas Bendixen
Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster with this heartfelt story of self-discovery and love. Bendixen’s film follows Gerda and Kristoffer (played by Bodil Jørgensen and Kristian Halken) a Danish couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. They travel to Rome, where Gerda once studied art, and a serendipitous meeting with her former art teacher and lover reawakens memories of her past. As Gerda revisits the life she once lived, she embarks on a journey through Rome in search of her lost youth. This touching and authentic film was an Official Selection for the Göteborg Film Festival (2024) and received six nominations at the Edda Awards (2024).
Songs of Earth (2023) – Directed by Margreth Olin
In Songs of Earth, director Margreth Olin takes audiences on a breathtaking journey through Norway’s rolling mountains, passing by waterfalls, glaciers, and spectacular landscapes. Guided by her 84-year-old father Jørgen, Olin offers a deeply personal and introspective look into her parents’ enduring love and loyalty. This uplifting film is celebrated for its intimate perspective and stunning visuals, earning the Best Cinematography award at Nordic Docs (2023).
Better Times (2023) – Directed by Milad Avaz
Better Times, directed by Milad Avaz, is a comedy-drama that follows three brothers and their father as they strive to save their family bakery from bankruptcy. The men must unite and overcome the emotional detachment caused by the loss of their mother, which had left the family fragmented. This tender film beautifully explores themes of grief, loss, family, and love, all underscored by heart-warming humour and charm.
Mr. Freeman (2024) – Directed by Mads Matthiesen
Premiering in Australia, Mr. Freeman tells the story of an extraordinary long-distance relationship between Simone, a lonely teenager in Denmark, and Freeman, a warm-hearted man from Ghana. After much persuading, Simone convinces her parents to allow Freeman to visit her. The two weeks that follow are filled with young love, adventure, and self-discovery. However, as Freeman’s responsibilities in Ghana call him back and Simone’s parents grow increasingly guarded, the longevity of their relationship is drawn into question. Matthiesen’s emotional and heart-warming film was an Official Selection at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (2024).
Touch (2023) – Directed by Baltasar Kormákur
In Touch, award-winning Icelandic filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur delivers a captivating tale of love, cross-cultural connection, and reflection. This poignant story follows 70-year-old widower Kristófer as he embarks on a quest to reunite with his first love. Spanning continents, Kristófer’s journey leads him to Japan, weaving together themes of longing and nostalgia. Based on the best-selling Icelandic novel by Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson, Kormákur’s thought-provoking film promises to leave audiences’ hearts brimming with emotion.
Eternal (2024) – Directed by Ulaa Salim
Salim’s sci-fi epic Eternal follows the story of a climate change scientist, Elias, wrestling with his choice between love and his career. Portrayed by Simon Sears, Elias falls passionately for Anita, a singer, but their romance is abruptly interrupted when he embarks on a mission to explore a fracture on the Atlantic Ocean floor. As years pass, Elias grapples with existential dread and profound regret, haunted by the choices of his past. This moving film was selected for the Göteborg Film Festival (2024) and the International Film Festival Rotterdam (2024), promising a profound exploration of love, sacrifice, and the human condition.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to relish in the exceptional cinema emerging from the Scandinavian region!
The Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival will be screening in local cinemas across Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Perth, Byron, and Ballina. For more information on the films, session times and to book tickets, head to the Scandinavian Film Festival website here.
This article was made in partnership with the Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival.
