As a film enthusiast who cherishes unique perspectives and stories that challenge societal norms, I find myself deeply intrigued by these innovative works from the Aalto ELO Film School, HDK-Valand, and The Norwegian Film School. Each of these directors, hailing from Finland, Sweden, and Norway, respectively, has a distinct voice that resonates with me, echoing my own journey as an artist who often finds herself in the gray areas of reality and fiction.
At the Next Nordic Generation category of the Norwegian Film Festival in Haugesund, several promising filmmakers from the Nordic region, like Gustav Møller (“The Guilty”) and Katrine Brocks (“The Great Silence”), have showcased their graduation films in recent times. These talented individuals went on to achieve international success following this event.
Having spent a significant part of my life immersed in the captivating world of cinema, I am thrilled to share that this year, I will be attending the exhibition of ten graduation films from esteemed Nordic film schools, taking place on August 21st in Haugesund, Norway. This event promises a unique opportunity to witness the fresh perspectives and creative talents emerging from the vibrant film scene of the Nordic region. It’s always fascinating to see how these budding filmmakers interpret their world through the lens, and I am eagerly looking forward to being part of this enriching experience.
Ten short films were chosen by a panel that included producer Elisa Fernanda Pirir from Stær Film, filmmakers Gunnbjörg Gunnarsdóttir (“Victoria Must Go”) and Fredrik S. Hana (“Code Name: Nagasaki”), along with program organizer Christian Høkaas.
“Pirir, who finds this year’s lineup playfully and boldly chosen, expressed that it encompasses a range of intense feelings such as fear, bewilderment, dark humor, power, apprehension, and affection. He noted the presence of anger, love, and power within the offerings. This aligns with the Scandinavian style of dark comedy and personal relationships dramas.”
Five fiction films from Norway are making a strong showing, among them being three projects that recently graduated from the highly regarded Norwegian Film School in Lillehammer.
“The Norwegian Film School that receives more financing than other film schools in Norway has the ability to draw in some of the most prominent actors, and the production values are typically quite impressive,” stated Høkaas. This observation was made in relation to Sara Selmer Moland’s family drama “I Felt I Had To Be Here” featuring Gard B. Eidsvold, who starred in “Quisling-The Final Days”, as well as the film scripted by Tarjei Sandvik Moe, an actor from “Skam”. Additionally, Miljam S. Thorkelsdottir’s “Now Clap” stars Agnes Kittelsen, who is known for her roles in “Exit” and “Happy, Happy”.
“Some students gain foundational film knowledge at other institutions and later move to the Norwegian Film School to advance their careers, as it provides a strong connection to the industry,” Høkaas clarified. In fact, Thorkelsdottir and Tobias Klemeyer Smith, creators of ‘Whatever City’, initially studied at Westerdals-Kristiana University College in Oslo before transitioning to the Norwegian Film School. Their two short films showcased in Haugesund explore the intricacies of artistic expression.”
Høkaas has observed that Westerdals-Kristiana University College has significantly improved its quality, particularly in story structure and acting, over the past few years. Those attending the Haugesund event will have the opportunity to see two excellent examples of this progress: “Mountains,” a refugee-themed film by Iranian-born director Marzie, and the inspiring “It’s Hard to Be Iben” by Jakob Ramberg.
The esteemed Aalto ELO Film School, Finland’s venerable film institution where notable directors like Juho Kuosmanen, Marja Pyykkö, and Zaida Bergroth honed their craft, will present three unique productions: “Confessions of Undecided Women,” an animated documentary about motherhood by Milja Härkönen; “Once Upon a Recession,” a timely current affairs documentary by Elias Kahla; and “Tape,” an animated short by Hui Wing Ki Candace, which draws inspiration from the director’s childhood in a Hong Kong home where furniture was patched together with plastic tape.
Høkaas stated that “Tape” is the briefest piece within our Next Nordic Generation collection, offering a distinctive, emotional experience through poetry.
Simultaneously, Ruben Östlund’s film school HDK Valand in Göteborg, Sweden, that nurtures alumni to develop their unique cinematic visions, is showcasing two distinct productions: “Ana Wa Yak,” a heart-wrenching father-son drama by Hani Al-Abras, and “Sit, Play, Stay,” a hybrid film by Cecilie Flyge. In “Sit, Play, Stay,” Flyge delves into the intricate dynamics of human-canine relationships, having served as a production assistant on the critically acclaimed “Apolonia, Apolonia.”
According to Høkaas, there’s a rich selection of films in our collection, ranging from heartfelt poetry, laughter-inducing humor, and intense dramas. These works delve into diverse topics like sorrow, societal disparities, migration, or intricate human relationships, often viewed through the innocent perspective of children. The Nordic region is brimming with creative talent in this field.
Regarding the conspicuous lack of films hailing from Denmark and Iceland this time around, he expressed: “Every year brings its own unique circumstances. We collaborate closely with the Nordic film school network, Nordicil, and it’s their decision, as part of the network, to send a film or not. Unfortunately, we don’t have any submissions from the Danish National Film School this year. However, it’s worth noting that in previous years, the same institution has received several Next Nordic Generation awards, including the winner of last year’s accolade, ‘Norwegian Offspring’ by Marlene Emilie Lyngstad, who also won a Cinef award at Cannes earlier.”
After winning an award in 2015 for his short film “In Darkness,” Gustav Møller gained international recognition with his Danish Oscar submission, “The Guilty.” His upcoming film, “Sons,” will be showcased at the Nordic Focus in Haugesund, as Høkaas emphasized.
The winner of the prestigious Next Nordic Generation Award, which comes with a NOK 20,000 ($1,900) cash prize, sponsored by Capa, will be revealed on August 22. Here’s a look at the participants for the Next Nordic Generation in 2024:
“Ana Wa Yak” (15’, HDK-Valand, Sweden)
Written and directed by Hani Al-Abras
A heartfelt depiction of a tense bond between a father and son, influenced by outside factors, as described by Al-Abras: “My narratives often revolve around concepts like estrangement, isolation, family, and the suburbs, areas where complexities and subtleties are seldom portrayed accurately.”
As a cinephile, I’d like to share my thoughts on “Confessions of Undecided Women” (20′), a captivating short film produced at the Aalto ELO Film School in Finland. This masterpiece was penned and directed by Milja Härkönen.
The brief animated documentary focuses on the emotional aspect, as suggested by its title. According to its creator, Härkönen, it aims to shed light on the intricate nature of reproduction that many women in their 30s experience. Härkönen’s primary objective is to delve into others’ realities, particularly human relationships and social issues, by examining the experiences of individual lives.
“I Found Myself Drawn Here” (29′, The Norwegian Film School, Norway)
In this heartwarming and humorous movie, we join a diverse group at the wake of a 24-year-old woman named Vera who took her own life. As family members, friends, and significant others come together to remember her, they each hold unique perspectives on Vera’s life. This film explores whether it is possible for them to collectively grieve, when everyone sees Vera through different lenses. Director Moland, with a background in philosophy, finds the diversity of human perception intriguing: “I am captivated by how people can perceive a situation or even life so differently.” Moland aimed to create a swirl of contrasting narratives within the film while also providing some sense of harmony and resolution.
Actor Sandvik Moe, known for his role in “Skam,” who recently graduated as a scriptwriter from the Norwegian Film School, expressed interest in Moland’s project due to its potential to use the premise as an allegory for current individualism, polarization, and disregard for traditions. He also enjoys developing complex characters with conflicting values and observing the outcomes when they are compelled to interact.
“It’s Hard to Be Iben” (21’, Westerdals-Kristiania University College, Norway)
The tagline reads: “Jakob Ramberg, both writer and director. Is life still meaningful when you’ve lost your purpose? A nine-year-old may hold the key!” According to Ramberg, his aim with this film was to delve into and embrace all aspects of ourselves, not just the morally virtuous ones.
“Mountains” (22’, Westerdals-Kristiania University College, Norway)
Under Marzie’s direction, and penned by Lars Johan Wisur Nivan and Zada, two individuals – refugees hailing from the Middle East – stumble upon each other in an isolated forest clearing in Croatia, within the walls of a forsaken structure. As they start to harbor optimism, they encounter a lethal obstacle on their journey.
Marzie, an Iranian immigrant who came to Norway in 2013, shared that her personal journey and the stories of other political refugees inspire and fuel her role as a storyteller.
Currently, the film titled “Clap” (21′, The Norwegian Film School, Norway), is under the direction of Mirjam S. Thorkelsdottir and penned by Kornelia Eline Skogseth.
As a movie critic, I found myself captivated by the gripping narrative of “Renate’s Stand,” a thought-provoking film that delves into the life of Renate, an unconventional theatre instructor. Instead of playing by the rules, she pushes boundaries and grapples to preserve her professional standing amidst mounting opposition.
“Once Upon a Recession” (24’, Aalto ELO Film School, Finland)
Directed by Elias Kahla
Viewed through a child’s eyes, the documentary focuses on Finland’s gravest financial crisis it ever faced during the 1990s. The filmmaker explains that his purpose was to illustrate how profoundly an economic crisis or disaster can impact a child, and that he wanted to convey the message that those who are still grappling with the aftermath of their childhood struggles are not alone, and that there is hope. Kahla added.
“Sit. Play. Stay” (13’,HDK-Valand, Sweden)
Written and directed by Cecilie Flyger Hansen
Previously serving as a production assistant for Lea Glob’s critically acclaimed documentary “Apolonia Apolonia”, Flyger Hansen navigates the blurred line where fiction meets reality. His work primarily explores the intricate power relationships between humans and animals, specifically focusing on these connections.
As a passionate advocate for this unique production, I’m thrilled to share that in an engaging blend of documentary and drama, our canine friends take center stage in a theatrical rendition of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.” A Collie gracefully portrays Snow White, while an Australian Shepherd captivates as the wicked queen. The rehearsal process offers a charming and thought-provoking interplay between man and beast, shedding light on the intricate power dynamics that exist. By viewing events through the eyes of our four-legged actors, we are subtly invited to reflect upon ourselves, gaining fresh insights into our own nature.
“TAPE” (6’,Aalto ELO Film School, Finland)
Directed by Hui Wing Ki Candace
The poetic animated short was inspired by the director’s own upbringing in a house in Hong Kong filled with plastic tape-repaired furniture, embodying unpleasant memories. “My animation often tackles memories and cultural identity, to lead the viewers into an emotional journey,” said the Helsinki-based animation specialist.
“This film titled ‘Whatever City’ (28′) was directed by Tobias Klemeyer Smith and penned by Camilla Pavlikova Sandland at the Norwegian Film School in Norway.”
Ida accidentally runs into her former elementary school music teacher, a chance meeting that triggers a city exploration filled with unusual individuals. A series of intriguing incidents during the day ignite in Ida the desire to create a movie.
2021 Bergen Film Festival winner for her first short film “Stikk,” Klemeyer Smith deliberately distorts conventional storytelling patterns. When asked about her creative approach, she stated, “I usually opt for films that reflect the character of their makers rather than those that adhere strictly to traditional storytelling. This film portrays a tale of significant uncertainty, a touch of arrogance, and the delicate nature of artistic production.”
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2024-08-19 18:18