DC’s Nordic Film Week:
The five Nordic Embassies along with the Avalon Theatre have joined together to present Nordic Film Week, a selection of internationally acclaimed films from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, presented at locations around Washington, DC from September 27 – October 1.
THE HAPPIEST DAY IN THE LIFE OF OLLI MÄKI (Hymyilevä mies)
Wed, September 27 at 7:30pm
The true story of Olli Mäki, the famous Finnish boxer who had a shot at the 1962 World Featherweight title. Immensely talented and equally modest, Olli’s small town life is transformed when he is swept into national stardom and suddenly regarded as a symbol of his country. There’s only one problem: Olli has just fallen in love. Inside the ring, it’s Finland vs. the USA, but outside, boxing and romance become unlikely adversaries vying for Olli’s attention. This charming feature debut from Juho Kuosmanen was awarded the Un Certain Regard Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
NR, 92 min, in Finnish, German and Swedish with English subtitles
http://www.ollimakifilm.com/
https://www.theavalon.org/films/happiest-day-life-olli-maki/
IN ORDER OF DISAPPEARANCE (Kraftidioten)
Thu, September 28 at 8pm
Internationally acclaimed actor Stellan Skarsgård (BREAKING THE WAVES, MAMMA MIA!) stars as Nils, an introverted hard-working snow plough driver who keeps open the roads and mountain passes of the inhospitable Norwegian landscape where he lives. Nils has just been named citizen of the year for his efforts when he receives news that his son has died of a heroin overdose. Refusing to believe the official version of his son’s death, he begins a covert search for the boy’s alleged murderers. Soon Nils’ relatively modest quest for vengeance puts him at the center of an escalating underworld gang war. With a pitch-black sense of humor, director Hans Petter Moland depicts Nils’ righteous vengeance spiraling out of control with style, humor, and surprise.
R, 116 min, in Norwegian, Danish, Serbian and English with English subtitles
https://www.theavalon.org/films/in-order-of-disappearance/
NORDIC FAMILY SHORT FILMS
Co-presented with Weekend Family Matinees
Sat, September 30 at 10am
As part of DC’s Nordic Film Week, the Avalon presents a selection of delightful animated short films from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. This entertaining series, suitable for children of all ages, incorporates universally understood themes of adventure, perseverance, respect, humor and love.
Films include:
WHISTLELESS (Fløjteløs) In a colourful and vibrant town, all the people and animals can whistle – except one small bird named Whistleless. All he wants is to take part in the music and festivities but he’s so hopeless that no one will help him. After going through trials and tribulations, Whistleless realizes that he has what it takes.
MORNINGBIRD AND MURMELTON ON WINTER HOLIDAY (Morgenfugl og Murmeldyr på vinterferie) Mathilde wants to go on winter holiday but it’s a rainy summer day outside. Instead, she watches Morningbird and Murmelton go on a winter holiday adventure in the freezer.
HERMAN’S HEART (Hermans hjerte) Herman lives in peaceful harmony with his teddy bear until an unexpected and, for Herman, unwelcome visitor arrives. When Herman throws the visitor out it gets stormy outside and he realizes that he has to go on a rescue mission.
TOOTLETUBS & JYRO (Turilas & Jäärä) Tootletubs & Jyro are two eccentric bugs who become friends. Jyro is an inventor full of wit while Tootletubs is a true gourmet. They end up in odd and entertaining adventures that teach children about respecting the environment and fellow creatures.
BOOO Lonely but happy rabbit Booo meets three daring rabbit friends who invite him along on their foolish adventures. They make fun of Booo for being too cautious, but when they get in trouble with a dog, Booo is the only one who can help.
THE SWEDISH MEATBALLS (Köttbullarna) An animated film for children about a young meatball who discovers the world with his family in a simple and dramatic form that teaches important issues about human values and emotions.
Tickets: $6 / 4.50 Avalon members
NR, 60 min, in Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish and Danish with English subtitles
https://www.theavalon.org/films/nordic-family-shorts/