The 2025 Hurtigruten Scandinavian Film Festival presents a diverse and thought–provoking selection of films from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland.
Opening the 2025 Festival is Number 24 from multi award-winning director John Andreas Andersen. This gripping Norwegian spy drama depicts the extraordinary true story of an ‘every-man’ drawn into the resistance movement during World War II. Also based on a true story from WWII, 2025’s Special Presentation is Quisling: The Final Days. Set in 1945 Norway it follows the post-liberation trial of the country’s infamous and controversial head of state Vidkun Quisling, in a stirring meditation on complicity, faith and the capacity for self-deception.
Direct from the 2025 Cannes International Film Festival, where it won the coveted Grand Prix, is this year’s unmissable Centrepiece, Sentimental Value, from director Joachim Trier. Reuniting Trier with star Renate Reinsve, the intimate drama also stars Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning in a moving exploration of family, memories, and the reconciliatory power of art.
A box office sensation in Iceland, black comedy Grande Finale is this year’s Closing Night film. Featuring an all-star Icelandic ensemble cast, this wildly entertaining tale revolves around a near-bankrupt chamber orchestra in Reykjavik who try to secure their future with a world-famous cellist. Also from Iceland is the powerful and visually stunning drama The Mountain, which was awarded the prestigious Green Film Sustainability certification. Starring Ísadóra Bjarkardóttir Barney (daughter of singer Björk and artist Matthew Barney) in her first feature role, the coming-of-age story explores how the cosmos and a road trip to the Icelandic highlands offers comfort to a family whose life is upended by a twist of fate. The Icelandic selection also includes Odd Fish, which follows two childhood friends who get a long-awaited opportunity to run their seafood restaurant all year round yet face unexpected personal challenges.
From Denmark comes the compelling drama Second Victims, starring Festival favourite Trine Dyrholm and Özlem Saglanmak, this timely reflection on the challenges faced by healthcare professionals follows a neurologist on a shift that will change her life forever, exploring the weight of guilt and the power of compassion.
Direct from the 2025 Göteborg Film Festival, is poignant drama The Last Paradise on Earth.The unique culture and stunning landscapes of the Faroe Islands are the backdrop to this moving exploration of identity, grief, and longing. Based on the incredible true story of Denmark’s biggest-ever robbery, The Quiet Ones follows a group of criminals in their heist preparations with a stellar ensemble cast including Gustav Giese, Reda Kateb, Christopher Wagelin and Amanda Collin. From acclaimed director Charlotte Sieling and starring Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Way Home is a gripping drama set against the backdrop of war-torn Syria that posits how far a Danish father is willing to go to save the people he loves. Trine Dyrholm delivers yet another acting masterclass in Beginnings alongside David Dencik in this deeply moving exploration of love and resilience.
From Finland, debut director Paula Korva’s comedy/drama Sudden Outbursts of Emotions is the story of an ordinary couple who decide to open their relationship to reignite their passion. Although everything seems fine to start, emotional chaos is soon unleashed. The entertaining comedy from Mika Kaurismäki Long Good Thursday sees the return of Finnish comedy icon Heikki Kinnunen as the fur hatted ‘The Grump’. Imbued with deadpan humour, the Grump’s life is awakened when he falls in love. Also guaranteed to deliver a laugh is Finnish box office hit 100 Litres of Gold, the story of a pair of beer-brewing sisters and a tribute to the small provinces, local pride and to sahti, the liquid gold traditional brew of Finland. From celebrated director Klaus Härö comes gripping true story Never Alone, shining a light on the plight of Jewish refugees who sought sanctuary in Finland during WWII. It stars Ville Virtanen as inspiring humanitarian Abraham Stiller who risked everything during a pivotal time in the war.
From Norway comes the delightful debut feature from Egil Pedersen My Father’s Daughter, in which a Sámi teenager’s life dramatically shifts when her true father emerges; while My Uncle Jens, follows the upending of a young teacher’s peaceful life in Oslo when his Kurdish uncle unexpectedly comes to stay. Featuring a score by internationally renowned Norwegian musician Thomas Dybdahl, Norway’s Everything Must Go explores the comedy and drama of three siblings reuniting at their childhood home. Sweden’s Live a Little, follows two friends on a couch surfing adventure across Europe, navigating uncertainty and intimacy as they strive to find themselves. And in a tale of cultural clashes, love and arranged marriage, Swedish romantic comedy Jalla! Jalla! celebrates its 25th anniversary, following Roro and Måns as they navigate life – still fresh in 2025!
Finally, the Festival is thrilled to be screening special encores of When the Light Breaks which recently won Best Nordic Film at the 2025 Göteborg Film Festival. The poignant drama follows a young woman whose conscience and resilience are tested over the course of a long summer’s day in Iceland.
The Hurtigruten Scandinavian Film Festival will be showing from 23 July to 13 August, at Palace Nova Eastend and Prospect.
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