It was an exciting moment on Thursday evening in the garden of the Royal Danish Embassy in Bangkok, as the Ambassadors from Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden personally introduced the films featured in this year’s Nordic Film Festival.
The reception on Thursday 23 January 2025, marking the opening of the festival, was an invitation-only event. The crowd included key staff from the four embassies, mingling with art critics, prominent figures from the Thai-Nordic Chambers of Commerce, and other notable members of the wider Nordic-Thai community.
The evening began with a warm welcome from the Danish Ambassador, Danny Annan, who emphasized the importance of cultural exchange through cinema. Each ambassador shared their perspective, offering insights into their national films and inviting the audience to experience the diversity of Nordic storytelling. Special attention was paid to Thailand’s remarkable move in pioneering the legalisation of same sex marriages in Thailand.
The first film of the evening was Finland’s “Tove”, a captivating biographical drama about Tove Jansson, the creator of the beloved Moomins. The film delved into Tove’s artistic journey, her struggles with societal expectations, and her coming out as a lesbian, making it a powerful and moving start to the festival. The audience was deeply engaged, with many appreciating the film’s authenticity and stunning visual style.
The event was made possible by the generous sponsorship of AstraZeneca, Atlas Copco, Bumrungrad Hospital, ECCO, Finnair, Kone, Linak, Novo Nordisk, Pandora, SAAB, Tetra Pak, and Valmet. Adding a forward-looking dimension to the evening, a section of the garden featured a display of providers offering sustainability solutions across various fields tied to the modern concept of Smart Cities.
The Nordic Film Festival continues this weekend with two screenings each evening. Tonight, Friday 24 January 2025, Sweden’s “Comedy Queen” will be shown at 6:00 PM, followed by Norway’s “Sonja” at 8:00 PM. Tomorrow night, Saturday 25 January 2025, Finland’s “Tove* will return for a second screening at 6:00 PM, leading into Denmark’s historical epic “The Promised Land” at 8:00 PM.
Find the official page on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/544460925255653
Held under the stars in the embassy’s garden, the festival offers free admission on a first-come, first-served basis, with English subtitles ensuring accessibility for a broad audience. The event not only showcases the richness of Nordic culture but also strengthens cultural ties between Thailand and the Nordic countries.
So, it’s already over? 😫 What a shame to miss attending such a great event!