17-20 OCTOBER
About NIFF
Based in New York City and founded in 2015 by the Swedish film producers Linnea Larsdotter and Johan Matton, Nordic International Film Festival (NIFF) has quickly grown to become a cultural element in the competitive film festival landscape. Since its inception, NIFF has taken every opportunity to showcase the talent of Nordic actors, directors, producers, screenwriters and filmmakers while successfully introducing them to the international film market. The festival’s long-term goal is to become a Nordic Film Market, or rather the Nordic Market in North America - to encourage filming in the Nordic region and create a platform for Nordic filmmakers to sell and show their films in the US. Larsdotter and Matton aim to put NIFF on the map as the largest Nordic Market and Nordic Film Festival in the world, where work from all over the world is respected and honored while perspectives are simultaneously opened to Nordic Film.
In addition to their efforts to put a spotlight on those filmmakers hailing from Nordic countries, NIFF’s programmers have also made it their mission to seek out and champion diverse filmmakers of all demographics, regardless of ethnicity, religion or worldview. Every year, NIFF screens films that encourage discussion regarding the present social and political climate and creates an environment and atmosphere that facilitates in-depth discussion about those films, specifically the social and environmental issues they raise. It is with these actions that Nordic International Film Festival has earned its place as a torch in inclusive filmmaking, casting light on issues struggling to be seen and raising awareness regarding the importance of the arts in a challenging world climate.
Join us this year at Nordic International Film Festival as we celebrate the privilege to come together and raise our hands (and our glasses) to the art of film. We can’t wait to see you.
“What we set out to do was to create a film festival that is truly for the filmmakers. Many out there take advantage of the dreams and ambitions of artists, and we wanted to be the change.”
- Linnea Larsdotter, Founder
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Our Team
Linnea Larsdotter Mikkelä President
Alexis Di Gregorio Festival Manager
Kathleen Donachie CFO
Jacqueline Patchen Director of Partnerships
Harper Jepsen Administrator
Courtney Powell Social Media Programmer
Kathrine Tinggaard Head of Programming
Elle Kunnos de Voss - Board Chair
Dawn Reinholtz
Emon Maasho
Sara Reistad-Long
Rika Lisslö
Sabina Lindmark
Justin Stiver
Adam Benowitz
Christiane Seidel - Head of the Jury
Jacob A Ware
Johan Hallström
Danelle Eliav
Ashley Daniels
Mark Tallman
Samantha Soule
WE BELIEVE IN A TRUE HUMAN PORTRAIT WITH A MORE INCLUSIVE REPRESENTATION.
CHALLENGE THE STEREOT yPICAL PORTRAyAL OF FASHION AND LIFEST yLE MODELS IN AI.
Volvo Cars
Volvo Cars aims to be pioneers in the protection of people and planet. From the very outset Volvo has been a brand for people who care about the world we live in and the people around us. Volvo’s mission is to make life easier, better and safer for everyone. For life. To provide you with the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way.
Volvo Cars, with its Scandinavian heritage, is proud to have the Volvo EX90 as the Official Vehicle of the Nordic International Film Festival, celebrating the intersection of innovation and creativity. This collaboration showcases a shared commitment to sustainability and storytelling, highlighting Volvo’s dedication to the protection of people and planet while promoting diverse cinematic voices from the Nordic region.
Welcome Norse Atlantic Airways!
We at NIFF are so happy to have Norse Atlantic Airways supporting our 10-year anniversary by offering complimentary flights for our filmmakers to attend NIFF10 Festivities.
’’We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with the Nordic International Film Festival as Official Airline Partner for the 10th Nordic International Film Festival. As a young and proudly Nordic brand, we’re delighted to be presented with this opportunity to support travel for filmmakers and culture lovers flying between Europe and New York City to attend this key annual event, reflecting our commitment to connecting cultures and people across the Atlantic with great value fares.”
To celebrate this partnership further, Norse Atlantic Airways are offering an exclusive 10% discount on Norse Atlantic flights with code NIFF10, valid for travel from now through August 31st, 2025 across their network.
To book, visit flynorse.com/en-US/promo/deals
Network and Chill
at the NIFF Lounge Get Lost in NIFF
Welcome to the filmmaker lounge, hosted by Messy Stars Productions and filled to the brim with activations and panel discussions. Nordic fika will be provided by Björk Café & Bistro.
This year’s filmmaker lounge is hosted by Messy Stars Productions. Take time between films to meet and mingle with filmmakers, NYC-based production teams, and NIFF partners over Nordic fika provided by Björk Café & Bistro.
Messy Stars Productions was founded by Caycee Black, J.D. Brookshire + Haley Rice with the mission to create environments where creativity can bloom. With every project they take on, they strive to manage it with fun, fairness, and freedom. Their first short Filling the Void (2022) won best comedy at Portland Comedy Film Festival and was selected for Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, San Diego International Film Awards, London Indie Short Festival, Austin International Art Festival. MSP is NYC-based and actively looking to collaborate with other like-minded artists.
“MSP was delighted to connect with NIFF for their 10th anniversary— they’ve been attending the festival for years, and love how this festival empowers and connects filmmakers from all over the world.
They’re honored to host the Filmmaker Lounge 2024 to bring artists together and join the NIFF family!”
— Caycee, J.D. and Haley
Friday, October 18
1 PM 6 PM
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue
Saturday, October 19
12 PM 9 PM
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue
Enjoy a walk around this year’s Official Selection, in this digital photo maze. The films that follow each other are connected in one way or another, and it’s up to you if you want to try to figure it out or simply just get lost for a moment. It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.
Created by Lars Mikkelä
Opening Night Film
Elskling
Directed by: Lilja Ingolfsdottir
Country: Sweden/Norway/France
Premiere: New York Premiere
Maria juggles with four children and a demanding career while her second husband, Sigmund, travels all the time. One day they get into an ugly argument which led Sigmund to eventually ask her for a divorce.
PG-13: Brief nudity
Directed by: Inuk Jørgensen
Country: Greenland
Premiere: New York Premiere
The vast Greenlandic ice sheet has been created over thousands of years but today climate change is threatening the close and sacred connection between the land moulded by ice and the Inuit who live there. Told from an Indigenous perspective the film celebrates Greenlandic mythology as much as it laments the nature we are all losing.
Thursday, October 17th
Red Carpet 6:00 PM / Screening 7:00 PM 8:30 PM
iPic, 11 Fulton Street
Friday, October 18 2:00 PM 3:30 PM
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue
The LeagueA Future for Freeskiing
Directed by: Mathias Skaarup Schmidt
Country: Denmark
Premiere: North American Premiere
A decade after freeskiing became an Olympic discipline, many riders are longing for an alternative to the current trajectory of the sport. Instead of rigid contest structures and national teams, they dream of a new kind of freeski event, something more true to the sport’s unruly origins. And so, in the fall of 2022, an idea begins to take form…
THE LEAGUE is the untold story of how the Jib League came to be. It’s an intimate documentary following Ferdinand Dahl, James “Woodsy” Woods and Øystein Bråten on their path to creating one of the most instantly beloved events in freeskiing. Enjoy this unfiltered, behind-the-scenes journey from frustration to inspiration, doubt to certainty and worry to jubilation as three friends strive to create something original, and to push the sport they love in a bold new direction.
Friday, October 18
2:00 PM 3:30 PM
Fat Dance
Directed by: Kirsikka Saari
Country: Finland
Premiere: North American Premiere
Dancehall dancer Evaleena Vuorenmaa gains 40 kilos and is forced to face the judging gaze of her employers, society and even herself. Fat Dance is a short documentary about a woman, who decides to take the power into her own hands and build her image the way she wants it to be. Is it really true that sexiness is not about size?
PG-13: Brief Nudity
Friday, October 18 2:00 PM 3:30 PM
House, 58 Park Avenue
The Remarkable Life of Ibelin
I’m not a robot
Directed by: Benjamin Ree
Country: Norway
Mats Steen, a Norwegian gamer, died of a degenerative muscular disease at the age of 25. His parents mourned what they thought had been a lonely and isolated life, when they started receiving messages from online friends around the world.
Courtesy of Netflix
Friday, October 18
3:45 PM 5:30 PM
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue
Directed by: Victoria Warmerdam
Country: The Netherlands
After repeatedly failing Captcha tests, music producer Lara becomes obsessed with a disturbing question: could she be a robot?
PG-13: Suicide / Self-Harm
Friday, October 18, 2024
5:45 PM 7:15 PM
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue
What Woman Wants, God Wants
Directed by: Sara Olaciregui
Country: France
Premiere: North American Premiere
Following a dispute with the courts, Nina, a single mother, has lost custody of her daughter. She gets her daughter back for a weekend and wants to take her to see the sea at all costs. On a road full of pitfalls, she meets a series of female characters who will help her overcome the ordeals and reach her goal.
PG-13: Substance Abuse (drugs, alcohol)
Trapped
Directed by: David Cutler-Kreutz & Sam Cutler-Kreutz
Country: USA
Trapped follows the story of Joaquin, a highschool janitor at the prestigious Hallston Academy, finishing up his rounds in the early morning hours. Investigating voices echoing through the empty halls, he’s drawn to the gymnasium, where he stumbles into a group of boys in the middle of a senior prank. Tensions arise when his attempts to shut down the prank take an unexpected direction and he is caught between the boys, the head custodian and his own moral compass.
A Place in the Sun
The Robbers
Directed by: Isa Schieche
Country: Austria
Premiere: North American Premiere
Three trans women plan a robbery, they disguise themselves as men to create a false trail, practicing speaking and behaving in a masculine manner. Despite sharing life as a team, they struggle to imitate male behaviors.
PG-13: Weapons, nudity
Friday, October 18, 2024
5:45 PM 7:15 PM Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue
Directed by: Mette Carla Albrechtsen
Country: Denmark/Sweden
Premiere: North American Premiere
The sun shines all year round in Gran Canaria. That is why four million tourists arrive every year, transforming the popular island in the Atlantic Ocean into a pastel-coloured paradise. But not everyone is on holiday. Some live and work amidst the hustle and bustle of colourful drinks and inflatable beach toys, and these are the people filmmaker Mette Carla Albrechtsen has sought out. What is it really like to have a permanent address in a holiday paradise? We meet people fleeing war, cold, violent partners and, not least, themselves. One thing is certain: You shouldn’t get too attached to anyone in Gran Canaria, because most people are just passing through. In a stylish, visual imagery, we witness life’s twists and turns between sandcastles, parties and overcrowded swimming pools, while escapism and creeping melancholy slowly reveal themselves behind the festive surface.
PG-13: Brief nudity
Saturday, October 19 12:30 PM 2:00 PM
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue
Neon
Directed by: Clara Olausson
Country: Sweden
Premiere: International Premiere
A mother takes her son to a deserted house near the sea on his birthday. She self-medicates and forces him to go to a party nearby. A story of family connection, and a young mind maturing quicker than they should.
PG-13: Flashing or Strobing Lights Known to Aggravate Photosensitive Epilepsy, Rape / Sexual Assault, Suicide / Self-Harm, Substance Abuse (drugs, alcohol)
Goodnight, then
Directed by: Johan Stavsjö
Country: Sweden
Premiere: International Premiere
When Nanna and Tim go to bed, a discussion arises about who should initiate sex. A night when gender norms and expectations take control of the bedroom.
PG-13: Adult language
Saturday, October 19, 2024
2:30 PM 3:30 PM
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue
Saturday, October 19, 2024 2:30 PM 3:30 PM
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue
Game Rules
Directed by: Christian Zetterberg
Country: Sweden
Premiere: New York Premiere
A youth handball team is about to participate in their first major tournament. As they aim for the top, facing professional players, talent scouts and sponsors, the game is suddenly interrupted by adults questioning who’s really allowed to play.
Showers
Directed by: Logi Sigursveinsson
Country: Iceland
Premiere: US Premiere
A father picks up his son from prison in an attempt to reconnect with him. During the drive from the prison gate until the central bus station, the son discovers that his father has more faces than he could have ever imagined.
PG-13: Excessive or Gratuitous Violence, Substance Abuse (drugs, alcohol)
Saturday, October 19, 2024
2:30 PM 3:30 PM
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue
Saturday, October 19, 2024
2:30 PM 3:30 PM
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue
Bicycle Thief
Directed by: Pekka Ollula
Country: Finland
Premiere: North American Premiere
A heartwarming but appropriately devilish tale of a small-town bowling alley entrepreneur whose life takes an unexpected turn when his bicycle goes missing. The film pays a homage to Vittorio de Sica by borrowing its title from one of his classics, just like an honest thief does, and wins you over with its charming cast, beautiful cinematography, and heartfelt story.
“Bicycle Thief” is a tribute to both classic neorealist filmmaking and the everyday moments that make life worth living.
G: Substance Abuse (drugs, alcohol)
The Remaining Ones
Directed by: Filip Koren
Country: Norway
Premiere: North American Premiere
Peder reflects on his childhood memories when he attends to his father’s funeral. His older half siblings expects him to honor their father, but Peder’s memories are telling him otherwise.
G: Torture / Abuse (physical, mental, emotional, verbal, sexual), Substance Abuse (drugs, alcohol)
Saturday, October 19, 2024
2:30 PM 3:30 PM
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue
Saturday, October 19
4:30 PM 6:30 PM
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue
Rainbow Dick
Amidst
Directed by: Marie Limkilde Country: Denmark
Premiere: International Premiere
AK and Ella reunite so Ella can give AK some of her stuff back after breaking up. The meeting between the two in AK’s apartment draws out memories in both of them. And as their relationship is relived, we experience the intimate and moving journey they had together. A bond that once was so strong, which now is something else. A very specific prop plays a quite special role in this intense closeup of people who share feelings for one another.
PG-13: Adult language
Saturday, October 19 4:30 PM 6:30 PM Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue
Directed by: Pia Andell Country: Finland
Premiere: North American Premiere
Everything is perfect, and then, boom!
PG: Alcohol, Adult Language
Saturday, October 19 4:30 PM 6:30 PM
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue
Camping in Paradise
Fest & Stress
Directed by: Eirik Tveiten
Country: Norway
A philosopher and his girlfriend involuntarily must spend a night at a nudist campsite, which is far beyond their comfort zone. At the campsite they meet a friendly couple, and this reveals underlying conflicts and creates tension in their relationship.
R: Nudity, Alcohol
Saturday, October 19 4:30
Directed by: Chris Østergaard Holm & Mads Østergaard Holm
Country: Denmark
Premiere: New York Premiere
Ulrik shows up to a canceled bachelor party and forces himself to stay, for no clear reason, making the depressed groom confused and his protective friend, Bo, hostile.
Saturday, October 19
4:30 PM 6:30 PM
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue
The Idiot
Directed by: Kasper Rune Larsen
Country: Denmark
Premiere: North American Premiere
After falling in love, Tobias and Cille begin to change their lives. Tobias has finished rehab, and Cille is slowly getting back to a normal life after several years of mental and physical illness. The young couple are now expecting their first child, but the happy circumstances prove to be a setback as their unfortunate past clings to them. During a clarification course, Tobias has discovered that his calling in life is to become an actor; one who can entertain and bring joy.
But those closest to Tobias do not support him - and instead try to pull him down. The authorities begin to question whether the young couple is even fit to become parents.
NC-17: Flashing or Strobing Lights Known to Aggravate Photosensitive Epilepsy, Substance Abuse (drugs, alcohol)
Awards Ceremony and After Party
Awards Ceremony and After Party
Finally leaving single digits behind, NIFF closes out its 10th year with an elaborate Awards Ceremony and After Party at the Box.
Join us for a night of custom cocktails, performances and activations to celebrate the winners of Nordic International Film Festival 2024!
Saturday, October 19
7:30 PM 9:15 PM
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Red Carpet 6 PM - 7 PM
Awards Ceremony 7PM - 8 PM
Followed by After Party
The Box, New York
Orrefors
The Nordic International Film Festival Award made by Orrefors Orrefors has been established in Swedish design tradition since 1898, characterized by timeless aesthetics, functionality, craftsmanship, and sustainable quality. The Nobel collection from Orrefors was designed in 1991 for the 90th anniversary of the Nobel Prize. The stemware glasses have been used at the prestigious event every year since.
“We are excited to have started this collaboration with Nordic International Film Festival. It feels natural for us to partner with NIFF, which supports Scandinavian filmmakers and connects the Nordic regions with the rest of the world. Orrefors is a leading crystal company with production in Sweden, that represents Nordic glass heritage and Scandinavian design. We look forward to a long-lasting partnership with NIFF, and to share the Orrefors award with the international film community,” says Emon Maasho, CEO & President, Orrefors North America.
The award is made of the highest quality crystal with details etched by hand, customized for the NIFF.
New York Film Academy
New York Film Academy (NYFA) is a world-renowned film, media, and performing arts college that offers BFA and MFA degrees, shortterm workshops, 1-and-2 year programs, certificates, online classes, and Summer Camps for teens and kids. NYFA has campuses across the globe in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Italy, Australia, and also online. NYFA students gain hands-on experience alongside industry professionals in Filmmaking, Acting for Film, Screenwriting, CInematography, Producing, Game Design, Musical Theatre, Media, Photography, and more. Learn more at https://www.nyfa.edu/
“On behalf of New York Film Academy, we wish the entrants to this year’s Nordic International Film Festival the best of luck and success in their festival run,” Michael J. Young, President of New York Film Academy.
An Open Letter of Thanks To Our Partners
Here at NIFF, we consider ourselves extremely lucky to do the work we do. Finding great films and promoting exquisite filmmakers is our passion and our pride. However, none of this would be possible without the support and trust of our incredible partners.
In everything we do, NIFF strives for leadership, ingenuity, and impeccable craftsmanship. We are thrilled to have partnered with companies who share these priorities within their own crafts and are continually honored and humbled by their support.
We hope that you enjoy your time at NIFF and share in our gratitude for our partners. Our vision has been made possible thanks to their collaboration, hard work, and shared vision for the arts.
