Totally Stockholm 1
Same as it ever was Just like every year, Stockho
lm Film Festival will return to a thunderous reception this November, and stymie the effects of the pending darkness just before the rain shifts into gorgeous snow fall and a cosy Christmas atmosphere. Same procedure as every year. Words: Peter Steen-Christensen Capernaum Burning Climax El Angel Alla vet Skater Kitchen Film lovers of Stockholm, and elsewhere, will be treated to the usual extravaganza over 11 days in mid-November, with this, the 29th edition of the festivities, offering somewhere in between 150 and 200 cinematic experiences originating in about 60 different countries. The opening salvo comes courtesy of Anna Odell in the form of the world premiere of her film X & Y, a film where she questions and challenges the notions and perceptions of both herself and co-star Mikael Persbrandt. Together they deconstruct their accustomed roles and dive head-first into an unrestrained game with their surroundings, while investigating sexual patterns of behaviour, gender roles, traits of character and human truths. Another highlight of the festival ought to be Skater Kitchen by Crystal Moselle, the director behind the startling documentary Wolfpack. This time out, she follows an all-girl skating crew in New York for a coming-of-age story 12 with millenials in search of an identity and wanting to break free from the older generation’s norms and expectations. To really get a grip on the rest of the festival highlights, we turned to Nöjesguiden’s film editor Maja Waltré, and asked her to pick out her five high points from the extensive programme. Burning South Korea yet again confirms its status as one of the world’s most prominent filmmaking countries. This time with Chang-dong Lee’s multi-faceted drama, that has also received an award from the International Federation of Film Critics. Climax Gaspar Noé’s constant exploration of extreme conditions takes place this time in a gym, where professional dancers spin themselves all the way into a psychedelic nightmare. El Angel Pedro Almodóvar has produced an Argentinian Western set in the Buenos Aires of the 70s, where the combination of raw crime and charm is simply irresistible. Alla vet The Iranian director Asghar Farhadi debuts in Spanish with the same psychological, instinctive feel that he is known for. This time with Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem in the main roles. Capernaum Nadine Lebaki’s new film is a loud, warm-hearted and compassionate portrayal of the kids in the slums of Beirut, where the cast is comprised of amateur actors who play themselves. Stockholm Film Festival is on between November 7 and November 18. Photo: Teresa Isasi