The annual European Union Film Festival in Singapore, organized by the Delegation of European Union to Singapore in cooperation with the Irish Presidency of the EU, presents 29 acclaimed European Films in the screens of Shaw Lido Theater from 15th to 26th of May.
Among them are Finland – Road North (Tie pohjoiseen), Denmark – This Life (Hvidsten Gruppen), Iceland – Black’s Game (Svartur á leik), Norway – Headhunters (Hodejegerne), Sweden – Simon and the Oaks (Simon Och Ekarna).
These films have been chosen in cooperation with the European embassies in Singapore. Films screened have encountered success in their country of origin, some of them even internationally. They represent both the cinemas in their countries of origin and the common cultural heritage of the European Union. The film festival serves as a window into the world of European cinema, but also gives opportunity to exposure local talents to wider audience.
Finland – Road North (Tie pohjoiseen)
Timo is an esteemed concert pianist whose personal life is on the rocks. One day Timo finds an older, shabby-looking man at his door. The man, Leo, turns out to be his father who left the country when Timo was three — and hasn’t been in touch in 35 years. Leo, an eternal trickster with a positive outlook on life, had to leave his homeland thanks to a series of messy entanglements. Now he’s come back to hand over a rather mysterious legacy to his son and to answer questions regarding the past. To do this, the two will have to embark on a trip together and hit the road north.
Denmark – This Life (Hvidsten Gruppen)
This Life is the true story of a group of Danish resistance fighters during World War II. A gripping portrait of one family that revolts and insists on individual freedom. It is the story of how just a few people can make a huge difference – but not without serious consequences.
Iceland – Black’s Game (Svartur á leik)
The last few years of the last millennium marked a transformational period for the Icelandic underworld. What had been a relatively innocent playground for petty criminals and “hobby pushers” progressed into the organized and violent industry that prevails today. Stebbi finds himself with piles of debt. After becoming reacquainted with a childhood friend, he joins the drug trade world in his desperate attempt to pay off his debts
Sweden – Simon and the Oaks (Simon Och Ekarna)
Simon, a small, dark-haired and bookish young boy, enjoys an idyllic rural childhood in Sweden, as the shadow of World War II descends over Europe. Although raised by loving and principled working class parents, he feels that he is different. When he finds out that he is adopted, he starts a search for his true self. Simon and the Oaks is based on renowned author Marianne Fredriksson´s best seller with the same title.
Norway – Headhunters (Hodejegerne)
Save for a somewhat diminutive stature, Roger is a man who apparently has it all; he’s Norway’s most successful headhunter, has a far too expensive villa and must, to survive financially, steal a little too much art.
Clas Greve is the perfect candidate for Roger’s new recruitment assignment, being a chief executive in the electronics business. He’s also in possession of a very valuable painting that may get Robert permanently out of his financial worries.
When Roger breaks into Greve’s house, he finds something that changes his life completely, and soon forces him to run for his life…
Schedule:
Finland – Road North (Tie pohjoiseen)
COMEDY DRAMA 2012 DCP M18
THURSDAY, 23 MAY 2013, 09:40 PM
110 MIN
MIKA KAURISMÄKI
Denmark – This Life (Hvidsten Gruppen)
DRAMA 2012 35MM PG13
SATURDAY, 18 MAY 2013, 02:00 PM
110 MIN
ANNE GRETHE BJARUP RIIS
Iceland – Black’s Game (Svartur á leik)
THRILLER/DETECTIVE 2012 DCP
FRIDAY, 17 MAY 2013, 09:30 PM
104 MIN
ÓSKAR ÞÓR AXELSSON
Sweden – Simon and the Oaks (Simon Och Ekarna)
DRAMA 2011 DCP R21
SATURDAY, 25 MAY 2013, 07:00 PM
122 MIN
LISA OHLIN
Norway – Headhunters (Hodejegerne)
ACTION/THRILLER 2011 35MM M18
TUESDAY, 21 MAY 2013, 07:00 PM
100 MIN
MORTEN TYLDUM
For further information about the Film Festival, click here
