‘Nordic Talent Is Abundant’

The Next Nordic Generation competition strand at the Norwegian Film Festival in Haugesund stands as a crucial platform for emerging talents from the Nordics. Alumni such as Gustav Møller (“The Guilty”) and Katrine Brocks (“The Great Silence”) have presented their graduation films here before making significant international headway.

This year, the curated program features 10 graduation films from Nordic film schools, set to be showcased on August 21 in Haugesund, Norway.

These short films were meticulously selected by a jury comprising producer Elisa Fernanda Pirir of Stær Film, filmmakers Gunnbjörg Gunnarsdóttir (“Victoria Must Go”) and Fredrik S. Hana (“Code Name: Nagasaki”), alongside program coordinator Christian Høkaas.

“Fear, confusion, dark humor, power, anxiety, and love—this year’s slate delivers a spectrum of intense emotions, staying true to the Scandinavian tradition of dark humor and relationship drama,” said Pirir.

Norway takes a prominent spot with five fiction films, including three from the renowned Norwegian Film School in Lillehammer.

“The Norwegian Film School, benefiting from significant funding, often attracts top actors and high production values,” said Høkaas. As examples, Sara Selmer Moland’s family drama “I Felt I Had to Be Here” stars Gard B. Eidsvold, with a script by Tarjei Sandvik Moe, while Miljam S. Thorkelsdottir’s “Now Clap” features Agnes Kittelsen.

Some students start their film education at other institutions before attending the Norwegian Film School to advance their careers, as it offers direct industry connections. Thorkelsdottir and Tobias Klemeyer Smith, director of “Whatever City,” first attended Westerdals-Kristiana University College in Oslo.

Høkaas noted that the Westerdals-Kristiana University College has recently improved, particularly in story structure and acting. This year’s selections from the institution include Marzie’s refugee-centered “Mountains” and Jakob Ramberg’s life-affirming “It’s Hard to Be Iben.”

Finland’s Aalto ELO Film School will present three distinct works. These include “Confessions of Undecided Women” by Milja Härkönen, a documentary about motherhood; “Once Upon a Recession” by Elias Kahla, a current affairs documentary; and “Tape” by Hui Wing Ki Candace, an animated short inspired by the director’s own childhood experiences.

According to Høkaas, “Tape” is a uniquely poetic and emotional journey.

Ruben Östlund’s HDK Valand in Sweden will feature the father-son drama “Ana Wa Yak” by Hani Al-Abras and the hybrid “Sit, Play, Stay” by Cecilie Flyge, which explores the love between humans and dogs.

“We have a diverse collection of films encompassing poetic, humorous, and dramatic themes like grief, social differences, and immigration, making it clear there is no shortage of talent in the Nordics,” summarized Høkaas.

Commenting on the absence of films from Denmark and Iceland, he stated, “Each year is different. We collaborate with Nordicil, a network of film schools, and it’s up to the schools to submit films. While we don’t have any entries from the National Film School of Denmark this year, the school has previously garnered numerous awards, such as last year’s winner ‘Norwegian Offspring’ by Marlene Emilie Lyngstad.”

Høkaas added that Gustav Møller’s 2015 award-winning short “In Darkness” preceded his Oscar submission, “The Guilty.” His latest film “Sons” will screen at Haugesund’s Nordic Focus.

The winner of the best Next Nordic Generation Award will receive a NOK 20,000 ($1,900) cash prize, sponsored by cinema advertising firm Capa, to be announced on August 22.

“Ana Wa Yak” (15’, HDK-Valand, Sweden)
Written and directed by Hani Al-Abras

A tender exploration of a strained father-and-son relationship shaped by external circumstances.

“Confessions of Undecided Women” (20’, Aalto ELO Film School, Finland)
Written and directed by Milja Härkönen

An animated documentary delving into the complexities of reproduction for women in their 30s.

“I Felt I Had to Be Here” (29’, The Norwegian Film School, Norway)
Directed by Sara Selmer Moland, written by Tarjei Sandvik Moe

This warm and humorous film follows a group of people at the wake of a young woman who committed suicide, as they attempt to mourn collectively despite differing perspectives.

“It’s Hard to Be Iben” (21’, Westerdals-Kristiania University College, Norway)
Written and directed by Jakob Ramberg

Exploring whether life is worth living without purpose, seen through the eyes of a nine-year-old.

“Mountains” (22’, Westerdals-Kristiania University College, Norway)
Directed by Marzie, written by Lars Johan Wisur

Nivan and Zada, two Middle Eastern refugees, are confronted with a deadly challenge in a remote Croatian forest.

“Now Clap” (21’, The Norwegian Film School, Norway)
Directed by Mirjam S. Thorkelsdottir, written by Kornelia Eline Skogseth

A theatre instructor clings to her career by extreme measures. The film sparks a broader debate on the boundaries of artistic expression.

“Once Upon a Recession” (24’, Aalto ELO Film School, Finland)
Directed by Elias Kahla

A child’s-eye view of Finland’s early 1990s financial crisis, exploring its lingering scars.

“Sit. Play. Stay” (13’, HDK-Valand, Sweden)
Written and directed by Cecilie Flyger Hansen

A hybrid doc featuring dogs in a theatre adaptation of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves,” questioning power dynamics between humans and animals.

“Tape” (6’, Aalto ELO Film School, Finland)
Directed by Hui Wing Ki Candace

An animated short inspired by the director’s upbringing in a house filled with tape-repaired furniture, touching on memories and cultural identity.

“Whatever City” (28’, The Norwegian Film School, Norway)
Directed by Tobias Klemeyer Smith, written by Camilla Pavlikova Sandland

The main character, Ida, experiences a series of peculiar events in the city, leading her to create a film. This film explores the fragility of artistic creation.

Source: Variety