Volvo Scandinavian Film Festival 2019

The Volvo Scandinavian Film Festival 2019 is one of the best offerings of cinema in the cultural calendar. Screening in select Palace Cinemas in Melbourne from Thursday, 11 to Thursday, 31 July, the 2019 Scandinavian Film Festival is one neon-bright flare amidst the dark and unforgiving winter night skies. 

This year, cast your eye over 21 films jam-packed with Nordic noir flicks, breathtaking dramas and quirky comedies as you “go north”. Milk Bar was lucky enough to get a sneak peek to the gorgeous yet darkly humorous Icelandic film, A White, White Day. Considered to be the darling of the festival straight from Cannes, award-winning director Hlynur Palmason brings us a film about a stoic man whose emotions are pushed to their limits when he must grapple with his wife’s betrayal after her death. Gripping, enthralling but a slightly longer film, I was glued to the screen the entire time. 

The Danish comedy Happy Ending is a film that examines the female condition and is described by some circles as the “Nordic Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” Starring Birthe Neumann and Kurt Ravn, the cheeky, star-studded movie studies second chances at love. Can you hit the restart button after 50 years of marriage? 

Apparently, the entertaining Sonja is Norway’s answer to I, Tonya. Sorta. The Sundance award-winning director Anne Sewitsky reunites with Ine Marie Wilmann for the captivating portrayal of Norwegian Olympic figure skating champion turned Hollywood movie star, Sonja Henie.   

And now to “finnish” (sorry not sorry!) is the rom-com, Aurora. The premise of opposites attracting is a tale as old as time, but up-and-coming director Miia Tervo shines a 21st century light on her two characters: Aurora, a commitment-phobe party girl, and Darian, an Iranian refugee seeking asylum in Finland. Worlds collide when they agree to help each other out of their mutual binds, but amid the chaos and hilarity, romance blossoms. 

To check out the rest of the Volvo Scandinavian Film Festival’s impressive programme, visit their website here.

Volvo Scandinavian Film Festival
Till Thursday, 31 July 2019
Various Palace Cinemas
scandinavianfilmfestival.com