08/01/2020 - Change-inspiring initiatives take centre stage at the 43rd edition of the gathering, some of them in a gynaecological chair

“Brazil – never better, yet risking obliteration”. “Stellan Skarsgård – one of our greatest conquers the city”. “Anna Odell disrobes the male powers that be”. “Feminist film feast – we explore the contemporary feminist cinema”. “Half of the films of the festival directed by women”. “Over 400 films”.

Behold the dynamic taglines with which the Göteborg Film Festival sets out for its 43^rd edition, taking place from 24 January to 3 February. But with all due respect to both Brazil and Stellan (worthy Career award laureate), it is the “half of the films directed by women” part that will most resonate. “We want to see the whole of the world,” reads the festival’s statement. “We do not just want to represent the film industry as it is, we want to inspire change.” The initiative has a simple, straightforward motto: “50/50 Vision”.

Finely bookended according to these parameters of equality, this edition will open with the feature debut from Swedish director Maria Bäck, Psychosis in Stockholm [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Maria Bäck
film profile], which tells the story of a 14-year old girl forced to grow up fast when her mother suffers a mental breakdown. It will close with My Father Marianne [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Mårten Klingberg
film profile], in which the seemingly open-minded young journalist Hanna is faced with a Dad (and a vicar to boot) who now wishes to be called Marianne. Mårten Klingberg directs, with Sweden’s favourite Wallander Rolf Lassgård as the leading lady.

This year’s showstopper may well be Anna Odell, Sweden’s favourite mastermind when it comes to provocative experiments in the name of art. Odell’s latest concept introduces “The Gynaecological Cinema Chair”, which will be the centrepiece of her new film, The Examination. Here, eleven Swedish men, often well-known and invariably authoritative — they include Björn Eriksson, former director of the Swedish police, and Thomas Bodström, former minister of justice – are all asked to undergo a gynaecological exam. As a special treat for keener audience members, genuine samples of the very same chairs will also be available in the cinema for “interaction”. One must try everything at least once, right?

More “regular” but highly anticipated titles are to be found in Göteborg’s vital competition field, spearheaded by the eight films nominated for the Nordic Dragon Award. The 2020 contenders are Bäck’s Psychosis in Stockholm, Spring Uje Spring [+see also:
trailer
film profile] by Henrik Schyffert, Games People Play [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] by Jenni Toivoniemi, Charter [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Amanda Kernell
film profile] by Amanda Kernell, A Perfectly Normal Family [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] by Malou Reymann, The County [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Grímur Hákonarson
film profile] by Grímur Hákonarson, Beware of Children [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Dag Johan Haugerud
film profile] by Dag Johan Haugerud and Disco [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Jorunn Myklebust Syversen
film profile] by Jorunn Myklebust Syversen. The jury, headed by French director Mia Hansen-Løve, will award one million Swedish Kronor (ca €100,000) to their top winner. More details about the programme can be found here.

Other competition sections include Documentary, International, Shorts and The Ingmar Bergman Competition for first feature. As indicated, this edition will focus especially on current feminism and Brazilan cinema, the latter programme showcasing 16 brand new features. Around 1000 screenings are scheduled, and about 160,000 visitors are expected to attend.

(Translated from Spanish)