Scandinavian Film Festival Is Bringing Sydney Some Queer Delights This July

By Sam Eacott

Sydney’s Palace Cinemas are the place to go for films that are a little bit luxe, a little bit special. From July 11th til August 2nd Palace Verona and Palace Norton Street will be home to the Scandanavian Film Festival 2017, highlighting the years most noteworthy releases from the European North. Some of which are some choice LGBTQI+ picks, including the wonderful Tom of Finland and the emotionally driven Heartstone. To celebrate the lovely people at Palace Cinema’s have given us some passes to give away, details below!

Tom of Finland comes from one of Finland’s most acclaimed directors, Dome Karukoski (Heart of a Lion, Scandi FF 2014). Winning the FIPRESCI Prize at Göteborg this year for this superb biography of the man behind the iconic signature ‘Tom of Finland’, Tom of Finland is not to be missed.

After suffering from the trauma of WWII, Touko Laaksonen (Pekka Strang, Armi Alive! Scandi FF 2015) finds no peace at home in Finland, a country where homosexuality is illegal. With the help of his sister (Jessica Grabowsky, Midnight Sun), Touko finds work in an advertising agency, but becomes worn down by his inability to express his desires. Touko spends his nights drawing his fantasies instead; men with strong jawlines, clad in uniform and – frequently – leather. The sketches eventually draw worldwide attention, though not without an escalating risk of persecution…

For Tom of Finland the Scandinavian Film Festival will be holding a mid-festival party at both Palace Verona and Palace Norton st on 18th and 19th July respectively, with a live DJ and drinks!

The winner of 26 international awards at film festivals, Heartstone is an emotionally driven, beautifully crafted film that follows the lives of a group of youths as they explore sexuality and maturity over a summer in a small Icelandic village.

Thor and Christian are inseparable best friends. They fish, destroy old cars, and count the hairs growing on their chests. Christian is the elder of the pair and more protective. They are always together but when they start to go out with local girls Beth and Hanna, things change. Thor discovers love but Christian feels increasingly close to his friend. As another winter approaches, nature bears witness to the end of a carefree summer. The film takes us inside this place full of contrast, from the warm sun streaking the landscape to the rain and wind battering down, where young kids come to discover how nature and people can be both beautiful and incredibly cruel. Seasoned cinematographer Sturla Brandth Grøvlen (Rams, Scandi FF 2015) paints a beautiful and breathtaking portrait of Iceland in transition through the eyes of the young protagonists.

See the full lineup of films here and follow the link for tickets! Link: https://scandinavianfilmfestival.com/

We’ve got a double pass to Tom of Finland and three double passes to Heartstone to give away!! Hit us with 25 words or less why you love northern Europe for your chance to win to sam.e@heapsgay.com.au