In 2024, there is, as always, a broad range of films in the Scandinavian Film Festival. A sampling of the film:
HAMMARSKJOLD – FIGHT FOR PEACE
This is an intense dramatisation of the Dag Hammarskjold’s last year as UN Secretary-General and his fight against colonialism, especially in Africa. We see various crises in the Congo, uprisings, Belgian support of the uprisings, the introduction of mercenaries, the intervention of Peacekeeping troops, and Hammarskjold’s fateful decision to board a plane in a desperate attempt to negotiate a cease-fire. The film probes Hammarskjold’s international work, his skill at negotiations, and a focus on his private life and interior life, seen in his posthumous publication, markings, his poetry and reflections.
STORMSKERRY MAJA
Based on a series of novels, this long film takes its audience into the outlying islands of Finland, in the middle of the 19th century. It is a fine portrait of a young woman, living in a remote community, both religious and superstitious, and an arranged marriage that develops into love. The couple have children and life is steady until the occupation of the island by the British during the Crimean War. This is a story of a woman who finds enormous strength in life and family, and is able to assert herself fully.
THE TUNDRA WITHIN ME
After living for many years in Oslo, Lena moves back to Sápmi in Northern Norway with her young son to explore Sami gender in an art project. While researching in the wintry tundra, she falls in love with reindeer herder Máhtte, whose mother, the head of the family, disapproves of the relationship. As decisions from the past come to haunt her, Lena struggles to find out whether her and Máhtte's lifestyles can ever be compatible. A film highlighting Sami culture – and the place of women.
THE MISSILE/ OHJUS
Mixture of the serious and the comic, a satirical critique of Finland’s government in 1984 when a Soviet missile crash landed in Finland. There was the Soviet cover-up story, the reaction of the Finnish government and military, and the story of a young woman, victim of domestic violence, working at a local newspaper who becomes more and more involved in probing the case, in interviewing the international press that came to the small town, and the military presence.
WHEN THE LIGHT BREAKS
Young adult story from Iceland, focusing on a wilful young woman, her relationships, deceptions, brought to a head with the death of a central young man in a tunnel fire. The friends have to cope with their grief, keeping secrets, trying to cope with the uncertainties following this death.
Festival dates
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
Sydney: 24 July – 14 August, Palace Norton St, Palace Moore Park, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema
Canberra: 25 July – 14 August, Palace Electric
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