A teenage girl’s journey into the dark world of eco-fascism
Discovering ‘Nipster’: A new perspective on radicalization
In the realm of cinema, few stories are as compelling as those that delve into the complexities of human nature and societal issues. Sunniva Eir Tangvik Kveum‘s debut feature, Nipster, is one such film that promises to captivate audiences with its timely and thought-provoking narrative. Set to be showcased at Helsinki’s Finnish Film Affair, this movie explores the journey of a teenage girl who finds herself entangled in the web of a far-right eco-fascist group.
The allure of belonging: Chris’s story
The term Nipster—a slang for Nazi hipsters—sets the stage for a gripping tale. The protagonist, Chris (played by Saga Stenman), is a 15-year-old girl grappling with feelings of powerlessness in a world seemingly on the brink of collapse. Desperate for a sense of community, Chris and her friend Maja join a summer camp focused on climate change. What starts as an innocent quest for belonging soon spirals into a dangerous journey as Chris becomes part of an eco-fascist organization.
A deceptive sanctuary
Chris’s initial experiences at the camp are transformative. She blossoms within her newfound community, feeling a sense of purpose and connection. However, the idyllic facade of the camp soon crumbles, revealing its true nature as a recruitment ground for impressionable youths. The film poignantly captures Chris’s struggle as she navigates the treacherous waters of radicalization, searching for self-worth in the wrong places.
From short film to feature: The evolution of ‘Nipster’
Nipster is an extension of Tangvik Kveum’s short film, Rosanazi, which premiered at the Tromsø International Film Festival in 2016. Rosanazi introduced audiences to the world of Europe’s youth-driven far-right movement, leaving the director with a sense that there was a larger story to tell. This feature film delves deeper into the complexities of radicalization, offering a nuanced portrayal of a young girl’s descent into extremism.
Collaborating with experts
To bring authenticity to the narrative, Tangvik Kveum collaborated with Maria Darwish, an academic specializing in eco-fascism, and Lasse Josephsen, a former far-right activist turned journalist and researcher. Their insights helped the director understand the multifaceted nature of the far-right movement, which has evolved from fringe alt-right message boards to mainstream social media platforms like TikTok.
Unveiling the sub-cultures of the far-right
Tangvik Kveum’s exploration revealed that the far-right is not a monolithic entity but a collection of diverse sub-cultures. Each cell within the movement holds different values but shares a common ideology of racism, fascism, and Nazism. The director’s journey into this world was akin to discovering a new realm, where the hate is shared, but the methods of promoting the ideology vary.
The eco-fascist paradox
Initially, Tangvik Kveum believed that eco-fascists used the love of nature as a guise to recruit followers. However, she discovered that their commitment to nature was genuine, albeit intertwined with dangerous ideologies like the Nazi slogan “blood and soil.” This paradoxical blend of environmentalism and extremism is a central theme in Nipster, highlighting the complexities of the movement.
A historical perspective on eco-fascism
Eco-fascism is not a new phenomenon. Its roots trace back to Madison Grant, a pioneer of conservationism in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often described as the movement’s “founding father.” The ideology also found proponents in Nazi Germany. Tangvik Kveum’s research underscores that eco-fascism’s resurgence is fueled by social media and climate anxiety, making it a relevant and pressing issue today.
The process of radicalization
While Nipster is a coming-of-age story, it also delves into the broader theme of radicalization. Tangvik Kveum is fascinated by the process through which individuals become radicalized and the factors that contribute to this transformation. The film explores the complex dissonance between knowing that an ideology is wrong and embracing it nonetheless, until the turning point where one decides to leave.
The challenge of de-radicalization
The director emphasizes that the process of de-radicalization is not simple. Films often oversimplify this journey, but Nipster aims to portray it with the complexity it deserves. Tangvik Kveum’s interest lies in the psychological turmoil that individuals face when immersed in extreme ideologies and the arduous path to breaking free.
A bold cinematic endeavor
Tangvik Kveum and producer Adam Lunenborg will be in Helsinki during the Finnish Film Affair to connect with sales agents, distributors, and other potential collaborators. The Swedish-language film, currently in post-production, is not an easy project to undertake. It requires courage and a sense of responsibility to shed light on the dark underbelly of eco-fascism.
The power of fiction
Despite the heavy subject matter, Tangvik Kveum believes that fiction is a powerful medium to address such issues. Nipster aims to raise awareness and provoke thought, offering audiences a glimpse into a world that is often misunderstood. The film’s narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to understand the forces that shape our society.
For those intrigued by this compelling story, you can watch the trailer for Nipster here.
Nipster is more than just a film; it’s a reflection on the complexities of human nature and the societal forces that drive radicalization. As cinema enthusiasts, we are invited to explore these themes and engage in meaningful conversations about the world we live in.