One of the highlights of the Perth film calendar, the always terrific Scandi Film Festival kicked off in Perth this week bringing with it the best films of the great white north.
Foreign film headquarters and Northbridge institution Cinema Paradiso played host to a wonderful opening soiree. Miss Maud was on hand to provide the best some local cuisine from the great white north paired as we knocked back a cocktail or two on our way to kick things off.
Brilliant local artist Ariel Katzir was drawing up a storm in the lobby with a terrific piece inspired by our opening night film, Danish director Charlotte Sieling’s stylish and star-studded comedy-drama THE MAN.
A silent auction will be held during the festival for the finished piece of art with money raised going to Secret Walls X Australia, a not-for-profit organisation supporting the local arts scene.
Other films to take prominence in the festival include THE KING’S CHOICE, a historical drama that was Norway’s official selection for the 2017 Academy Awards, ROSEMARI, an entertaining exploration of love, sex and what it means to be family; Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker Selma Vilhunen’s debut, LITTLE WING, a tender coming-of- age story; HEARTSTONE, which follows the lives of a group of youths over a summer in a small Icelandic village; and HANDLE WITH CARE, a strong moving drama about fatherhood and international adoption.
This Wednesday (July 26), there will also be a special event screening of FIPRESCI prize winner TOM OF FINLAND, the outstanding biography of the Finnish homoerotic artist. The evening kicks off with a Red Finnish vodka cocktail, music and life drawing on arrival. After the film, ticketholders are invited to Connections Night Club, where they will receive free entry and a glass of bubbles on arrival.
Luna Palace Cinemas is also delighted to be teaming up with the Chess Association of WA to present a special screening of MAGNUS, an eye-opening journey of the 23-year-old world chess champion Magnus Carlsen. Join us before the 6.30pm session on Monday, July 31 for some “blitz chess” demonstrations!
The festival will close with Ivica Zubak’s A HUSTLER’S DIARY, featuring a breakout performance by star/co-writer Can Demirtas as the unlikely hero Metin, a petty criminal of Turkish descent who has grand dreams of becoming famous.
The Volvo Scandinavian Film Festival 2017 runs from July 20 to August 2 exclusive to Cinema Paradiso. Tickets are on sale at the box office and online. Group bookings are also available. Click here for more information.
