The 2025 Scandinavian Film Festival is running through July and August.
This year’s packed programme includes one Jewish and one queer film, details below.
Never Alone
From celebrated director Klaus Härö (The Fencer, One Last Deal, My Sailor, My Love) comes a powerful true story of resilience and defiance, based on real events during World War II and adapted from Rony Smolar’s book, Uncle Stiller. Ville Virtanen (Bordertown) delivers a standout performance as businessman Abraham Stiller, a pillar of Helsinki’s Jewish community who did everything in his power to help the Jewish refugees.
Helsinki, 1942. The state of Finland has made an alliance with Nazi Germany. Only one man is trying to stop the Finnish security services which were operating in secrecy, turning over Jewish refugees into the hands of Gestapo. As Nazi influence grows, Stiller finds himself torn between his personal life and his politics, and must risk everything to protect his community.
A moving drama that shines a light on the plight of Jewish refugees in Finland during WWII, Never Alone showcases the inspiring humanitarian efforts of a man who risked everything to protect them, in a gripping story of courage, and the fight for hope amidst overwhelming adversity.
Odd Fish
Directed and co-written by Snævar Sölvason (From Iceland to Eden), Odd Fish is a heartwarming tale of dreams, identity and acceptance, set in a small community in the picturesque Westfjords of Iceland.
During the summer, childhood friends Hjalti (Björn Jörundur, Trapped) and Björn (newcomer Arna Magnea Danks), run a seafood restaurant in the fishing village in which they were born and raised. Despite their vastly different personalities, the two have a successful business partnership, and their restaurant is popular. They have long dreamed of keeping the restaurant open all year round, and when an unexpected opportunity arises, they finally get the chance to do so.
But, when Björn suddenly reveals a long-held secret to Hjalti, their long-standing friendship is tested and prejudices come to light. Faced with changes that reveal new perspectives on life and identity, the two of them must each re-evaluate what matters most.
An endearing story imbued with warm humour, Odd Fish is a tender reflection on the power of friendship.