Discovering the next wave of Nordic filmmakers
The Next Nordic Generation competition at the Norwegian Film Festival in Haugesund has become a launchpad for some of the most promising talents from the Nordic region. This event has previously showcased the works of filmmakers like Gustav Møller and Katrine Brocks, who have since made significant international strides.
A showcase of emerging talent
This year, the festival will present a curated selection of 10 graduation films from Nordic film schools on August 21 in Haugesund, Norway. The films were chosen by a jury that includes producer Elisa Fernanda Pirir, filmmakers Gunnbjörg Gunnarsdóttir and Fredrik S. Hana, and program coordinator Christian Høkaas.
Pirir highlighted the emotional depth of this year’s selection, noting the presence of fear, confusion, dark humor, power, anxiety, and love. These themes resonate with the Scandinavian tradition of dark humor and relationship drama.
Norway’s strong presence
Norway is well-represented with five fiction films, including three from the prestigious Norwegian Film School in Lillehammer. According to Høkaas, the school benefits from substantial funding, which attracts top actors and ensures high production values. Notable entries include:
- I Felt I Had to Be Here by Sara Selmer Moland, featuring Gard B. Eidsvold and written by Tarjei Sandvik Moe.
- Now Clap by Miljam S. Thorkelsdottir, starring Agnes Kittelsen.
Høkaas also mentioned that many students start their education at other institutions before transferring to the Norwegian Film School to advance their careers. This is the case for Thorkelsdottir and Tobias Klemeyer Smith, director of Whatever City.
Rising standards at Westerdals-Kristiana University College
The Westerdals-Kristiana University College in Oslo has also improved its quality in recent years, particularly in story structure and acting. This year’s lineup includes:
- Mountains by Marzie, focusing on the refugee experience.
- It’s Hard to Be Iben by Jakob Ramberg, a life-affirming tale.
Finland’s diverse offerings
Finland’s Aalto ELO Film School, known for training filmmakers like Juho Kuosmanen and Marja Pyykkö, will present three distinct works:
- Confessions of Undecided Women by Milja Härkönen, an animated documentary about motherhood.
- Once Upon a Recession by Elias Kahla, a current affairs documentary.
- Tape by Hui Wing Ki Candace, an animated short inspired by the director’s childhood in Hong Kong.
Sweden’s unique contributions
Ruben Östlund’s HDK Valand in Göteborg, Sweden, encourages students to pursue their own cinematic ideas. This year, they bring:
- Ana Wa Yak by Hani Al-Abras, a father-son drama.
- Sit, Play, Stay by Cecilie Flyge, exploring the complex relationship between humans and dogs.
A variety of themes and styles
Høkaas emphasized the diversity of this year’s films, which explore themes like grief, social differences, immigration, and complex human dynamics through the eyes of children. Despite the absence of entries from Denmark and Iceland, the lineup remains strong.
The anticipation of the award
The winner of the Next Nordic Generation Award will receive a NOK 20,000 cash prize, sponsored by Capa. The announcement will be made on August 22. This competition continues to be a vital platform for emerging Nordic filmmakers, offering them a chance to showcase their talents and gain international recognition.
In-depth look at selected films
Ana Wa Yak (15’, HDK-Valand, Sweden)
Written and directed by Hani Al-Abras
A tender portrayal of a strained father-and-son relationship shaped by external circumstances. Al-Abras often explores themes like alienation, exclusion, and family dynamics.
Confessions of Undecided Women (20’, Aalto ELO Film School, Finland)
Written and directed by Milja Härkönen
An animated short documentary that delves into the complexities of reproduction for women in their 30s. Härkönen aims to understand other people’s realities and explore human relationships through individual stories.
I Felt I Had to Be Here (29’, The Norwegian Film School, Norway)
Directed by Sara Selmer Moland, written by Tarjei Sandvik Moe
A warm and humorous film about a group of people at the wake of a young woman who has committed suicide. The film explores how different people perceive the same situation and the potential for collective mourning.
This year’s Next Nordic Generation competition promises to be a compelling showcase of new talent, offering a glimpse into the future of Nordic cinema.# Exploring the depths of Nordic short films
A journey through the human experience
I felt I had to be here
“It’s Hard to Be Iben” (21’, Westerdals-Kristiania University College, Norway)
Written and directed by Jakob Ramberg, this short film delves into the existential question: Is life worth living if you no longer have anything to live for? The story centers around a nine-year-old who grapples with this profound dilemma. Ramberg’s intention is to explore and accept all parts of ourselves, not just the morally good. This film is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human existence.
Watch the trailer for It’s Hard to Be Iben
Mountains: A tale of hope and despair
“Mountains” (22’, Westerdals-Kristiania University College, Norway)
Directed by Marzie and written by Lars Johan Wisur, this film tells the story of Nivan and Zada, two Middle Eastern refugees who meet by chance in an abandoned building in the Croatian forest. Just as they begin to feel hopeful, they face a deadly challenge. Marzie, who arrived in Norway in 2013, draws from her own experiences and the fate of other political refugees to create a compelling narrative.
Watch the trailer for Mountains
Now clap: The boundaries of art
“Now Clap” (21’, The Norwegian Film School, Norway)
Directed by Mirjam S. Thorkelsdottir and written by Kornelia Eline Skogseth, this film follows Renate, a theater instructor who crosses ethical lines to keep her career alive. When she faces resistance, she goes to extreme measures to fight her case. Thorkelsdottir aims to spark a broader debate about the limits of artistic expression and who defines them.
Watch the trailer for Now Clap
Once upon a recession: Childhood scars
“Once Upon a Recession” (24’, Aalto ELO Film School, Finland)
Directed by Elias Kahla, this documentary is seen from a child’s perspective and centers on Finland’s most dramatic financial crisis in the early 1990s. Kahla aims to show how deep the scars of economic crises can be when experienced by a child, offering hope to those still struggling with their childhood wounds.
Watch the trailer for Once Upon a Recession
Sit. Play. Stay: Power dynamics in a playful setting
“Sit. Play. Stay” (13’, HDK-Valand, Sweden)
Written and directed by Cecilie Flyger Hansen, this hybrid documentary focuses on the power dynamics between humans and animals. In a playful adaptation of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves,” dogs take the lead roles. The rehearsals highlight the absurd interplay between human and animal, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own behaviors.
Watch the trailer for Sit. Play. Stay
Tape: A poetic journey through memories
“TAPE” (6’, Aalto ELO Film School, Finland)
Directed by Hui Wing Ki Candace, this poetic animated short is inspired by the director’s upbringing in a house filled with plastic tape-repaired furniture. The film tackles themes of memories and cultural identity, leading viewers on an emotional journey.
Whatever city: A day of peculiar encounters
“Whatever City” (28’, The Norwegian Film School, Norway)
Directed by Tobias Klemeyer Smith and written by Camilla Pavlikova Sandland, this film follows Ida as she bumps into her old music teacher, setting off a journey through the city. The day’s curious events inspire her to make a film. Klemeyer Smith, known for her debut short “Stikk,” plays with traditional narrative structures to tell a story of doubt, hubris, and the fragility of artistic creation.
Watch the trailer for Whatever City
Final thoughts
These Nordic short films offer a rich tapestry of human experiences, from existential dilemmas and refugee struggles to the boundaries of artistic expression and the scars of economic crises. Each film provides a unique lens through which we can explore and understand the complexities of life. Whether you’re a cinema enthusiast, a TV series aficionado, or a music lover, these stories will resonate with you on a deeply personal level.