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Haugesund Film Festival: A celebration of Nordic cinema
From August 17-23, the picturesque coastal town of Haugesund, Norway, will transform into a vibrant hub for cinema enthusiasts. The newly renovated Edda film hub, now boasting seven screening rooms, will host an impressive lineup of 76 films and 21 shorts. This year’s festival promises a rich tapestry of cinematic experiences, with a blend of world premieres, Norwegian highlights, and international gems.
A new era for the Edda film hub
Festival director Tonje Hardersen expressed excitement about the expanded facilities: “We are looking forward to using the two new luxury halls and giving both the films and the audience a quality experience.” The additional screening rooms are set to enhance the festival atmosphere, providing more opportunities for attendees to immerse themselves in the diverse film offerings.
Premieres and highlights
Norwegian premieres and international entries
The festival’s main program will feature several high-quality films making their Norwegian premiere, including notable entries from Cannes such as All We Imagine as Light, The Substance, Wild Diamond, The Girl with the Needle, and When the Light Breaks.
World premieres with a Norwegian touch
Among the four world premieres, three are Norwegian productions, showcasing the country’s thriving film industry. These include A New Kind of Wilderness, Handling the Undead, Sex, and Loveable, all of which have garnered accolades at various international festivals.
Spotlight on Norwegian cinema
Opening with a powerful narrative
The festival will open with Quisling – The Final Days, directed by Erik Poppe. This film is the third in Poppe’s trilogy exploring dark forces threatening democracy, following The King’s Choice and Utøya, July 22. Starring Gard B. Eidsvold and Anders Danielsen Lie, the film delves into the psychological battle between Norway’s infamous Nazi collaborator Vidkun Quisling and priest Peder Olsen.
Exploring human relationships
The festival will close with Enough by newcomer Odd Einar Ingebretsen. This film, along with Loveable, shares a common theme of strained human relations, though each film offers a unique stylistic and production approach.
Documenting nature’s plight
Another notable Norwegian premiere is Asgeir Helgestad’s documentary A Call from the Wild, which highlights Norway’s endangered nature. This documentary underscores the breadth and quality of Norwegian filmmaking, particularly in the documentary genre.
International gems and industry insights
Thrilling international entries
The festival will also feature the world premiere of Way Home by Danish director Charlotte Sieling. This gripping film stars Nikolaj Lie Kaas as a father smuggled into Syria in a desperate search for his son, promising to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
UK Focus and Nordic collaborations
This year’s festival introduces a new UK Focus sidebar, featuring films like Grand Theft Hamlet, Last Swim, September Days, and Sebastian. Additionally, the festival will host the presentation of the Nordic Council Film Prize nominations, celebrating outstanding films from the Nordic region.
Celebrating new voices and female filmmakers
Next Nordic Generation
The Next Nordic Generation program will spotlight ten graduation works from top Nordic film schools, offering a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent and vie for the best film award.
Eurimages Audentia Award
Outstanding female voices will be celebrated with the €30,000 Eurimages Audentia Award, recognizing courageous artistic choices. This prestigious award will be handed out on August 22 to the best of 12 festival titles.
Star-studded events and industry discussions
Celebrity appearances
The festival will see appearances from notable filmmakers and actors, including Erik Poppe, Lilja Ingolfsdottir, Miia Tervo, Ine Marie Wilmann, Renate Reinsve, and Nils Ole Oftebro. These stars will be on hand to promote their films and engage with audiences.
Industry insights
Haugesund will also host several industry discussions in Norwegian, including the Film Politics Conference, the Cinema Seminar, and the Youth Seminar. These events will address topics such as cinemagoing, tax regulations, changing audience habits, and Norwegian content in a global media landscape.
Wrapping up with the Amanda Awards
The festival will conclude on August 23 with the annual Norwegian Amanda Awards, celebrating excellence across 21 categories. This year’s contenders for best film include Ibelin, Sex, and The Arctic Convoy.
The Haugesund Film Festival promises a week of cinematic delight, offering a unique blend of Norwegian and international films, industry insights, and star-studded events. For cinema enthusiasts, this festival is an unmissable celebration of the art of filmmaking.
