The Nordic line-up in Venice 2026
Marie, a young nanny and housemaid, is about to marry the wealthy older widower, Christian, for whom she is working. But Marie guards a shameful secret. During World War II, she was in an intimate relationship with a German soldier. Now Marie´s past threatens to catch up with her, and she is forced to fight for the preservation of her new status as lady of the house in post-war anarchy.
Directed by May el-Toukhy
Screenwriter May el-Toukhy, Maren Louise Kähne
Produced by Nordisk Film Production
Production countries Denmark, Sweden, Latvia
Sales TrustNordisk
SCREENINGS
September 6 8:30 Sala Darsena (pass holders)
September 6 11:15 Sala Grande (pass holders)
September 6 22:15 Sala Grande
September 6 22:30 Pala Biennale
September 7 17:15 Pala Biennale
COMPETITION
Woman Unknown
OUT OF COMPETITION
No Paradise if You Are Killed by a Woman
Vyan, a Kurdish female sniper, has survived war by shutting down her emotions. When she learns her younger sister, believed lost during ISIS’ 2014 assault, may still be alive in Mosul, she returns to a city shaped by death and destruction. Her search becomes both a rescue mission and a confrontation with the trauma she has spent years trying to silence.
Directed by Halkawt Mustafa
Screenwriter Halkawt Mustafa
Produced by Hene Films
Production countries Norway, Iraqi Kurdistan
Sales True Colours
SCREENINGS
September 6 08:30 Sala Darsena (pass holders)
September 6 11:15 Sala Grande (pass holders)
September 7 23:50 Sala Grande
September 11 20:30 Astra 1
September 12 16:30 Sala Darsena
IMMERSIVE COMPETITION
Finding Frida
In a “real unreality” VR space, a miniature Art Nouveau villa appears before expanding to fullcale. Past and present weave together as we step into the world of Frida Hansen – once an internationally acclaimed textile artist, now largely forgotten. Guided by her great-great-granddaughter Cecilie, we explore a lush garden where archival photographs, a gramophone and woven artworks become portals into Frida’s life. As bankruptcy and profound personal grief descend, the vibrant garden withers into darkness. From this desolation emerge four enigmatic female figures, foreshadowing the work Semper Vadentes and the beginning of Frida’s artistic awakening. Across a century, Frida and Cecilie’s lives entwine. Through art, hardship is transformed into enduring beauty – a testament to how the role models we uncover continue to inspire and shape who we become.
Directed by Hilde K Kjøs
Screenwriter Cecilie Levy
Produced by RippleX Studio
Production country Norway