With London International Film Festival coming to a close we share the Nordic films we caught at the festival and are our top picks.
The Woodcutter Story | Finland | Dir: Mikko Myllylahti
Director Mikko Myllylahti, the man behind The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki, teams up once again with Jarkko Lahti (pictured below) to tell The Woodcutter Story. Here we follow the life of Pepe, a Finnish woodcutter who lives a simple life up in a small town in Northern Finland.
But over the couple of days we follow Pepe, a number of events happen to disrupt Pepe’s positive existence – only it seems that he is okay about it? Does he know something that everyone else doesn’t?
Into the Ice | Denmark | Lars Henrik Ostenfeld
A fascinating documentary that follows researchers and scientists studying the ice fields across Greenland. They examine the effects of climate change, look at the history and stories stored within the ice, and explore huge craters that have formed in the ice that go down thousands of feet.
Educational, beautiful, and at times slightly terrifying, you’ll leave with a whole new understanding and respect for the part ice plays on our planet, and for the people doing the vital work to study it.
Sick of Myself | Norway | Dir: Kristoffer Borgli
We have been tracking this film since its premiere at Cannes film festival and have waited patiently for it, and finally it has arrived at London International Film Festival.
We have been big fans of Kristine Kujath Thorp ever since we saw her performance in Ninjababy – here she takes things to a next level. Where this film sits in terms of genre? We really don’t know but it definitely can be filed in the darkest of Scandinavians comedies whilst also making a very interesting statement on narcissism and the desire for social identity.
Pair this up with an evening watching Triangle of Sadness and you are in for one incredible ride!
Check out our interview with with Kristine’s co-star Eirik Aether who plays Thomas in the film.
Godland | Iceland | Dir: Hlynur Pálmason
Hlynur Palmason is one of our favourite Icelandic directors – the man behind Winter Brothers and A White White Day – brings a fantastic Icelandic and Danish ensemble cast together for Godland.
What makes this film so incredible is the way that it totally sucks you in thanks to some of the most incredible scenic shots of Iceland – we are not lying when we tell you that it is unlikely you have seen another film that depicts the countries harsh yet beautiful environment so effortlessly.
An undoubtable shoe-in for Oscar picks and a film that many will love to discuss after.
We saw some fantastic films at the festival and we’ll let you know when we get news of their release.
Feature by Alex Minnis