Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7:00pm

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Dir. Iram Haq, 2018 | 106 minutes

Although at home she’s the obedient daughter of conservative Pakistani parents, Nisha enjoys being a teenager who drinks, dances, and dates with her Norwegian peers. Her two lives collide when Nisha’s father catches her with a boy and forcibly sends Nisha to live in Pakistan with extended family. There, she endures a harrowing experience as she is cut off from her former life, and made to abide by strict and gendered rules. From acclaimed director Iram Haq, whose debut feature was selected for Bright Nights in 2015, What Will People Say is a compelling story of women’s rights, cultural identity, and familial obligation.

English sub-titles.

Sunday, Feb. 23, 6:30pm

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Dir. Gatis Šmits, 2019 | 90 minutes

Set in and near Riga during the later days of the 1905 revolution, this period drama follows social democrat fighter Pelēkais as he organizes the remaining few revolutionaries to execute an attack on the treasury. While rallying comrades in the countryside he meets Violeta, a progressive but idealist teacher and poet who hopes to breakout in Riga literary circles. As Violeta becomes increasingly involved with Pelēkais and his mission, the Russian Imperial government get closer to catching the group. Soon, the cowardice of some leads to dire consequences, and Pelēkais and Violeta must rely on each other to survive.

English sub-titles.

Sunday, Feb. 23, 4:00pm

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Dir. Pernille Fischer Christensen, 2018 | 123 minutes

Celebrated children’s writer Astrid Lindgren is the subject of this biopic, which focuses on the author’s formative teenage and early adult years. Born in 1907 to a conservative family in rural Sweden, Astrid eagerly takes an internship at the local newspaper under the guidance of the older and married editor Blomberg. Astrid soon becomes pregnant and, to avoid scandal, leaves her home and must care for herself and her child independently. An inspiring story of love, bravery, and resilience, Becoming Astrid is a touching look at the painful circumstances that shaped the worldview of an internationally beloved storyteller.

English sub-titles.

Friday, Feb. 21, 8:30pm

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Dir. Miia Tervo, 2019 | 95 minutes

Stuck in Finnish Lapland with a low-paying job and an alcoholic father, party animal Aurora has plans to move to Norway and leave her life behind. She sees opportunity when she meets Darian, an Iranian refugee looking for asylum and willing to pay for help finding a Finnish wife. As Aurora introduces him to eligible women, she grows closer to Darian and his daughter, and soon must reconsider whether or not her life in Lapland is worth leaving. Director Miia Tervo’s feature-length debut, Aurora is a charming rom-com with an acute social awareness.

English sub-titles.

Friday, Feb. 21, 6:30pm

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Dir. Ernestas Jankauskas, 2018 | 95 minutes

Unable to have children and looking to adopt, young couple Jurga and Tomas travel to an orphanage to meet a young girl they hope to make family. Due to a bureaucratic error, when they arrive they are instead greeted by a 12-year-old boy named Sasha, who they are then pressured into taking for the day. Emotions run high as the day unfolds, and the trio’s pre-conceptions of family will all be tested by the end of it. The feature debut of director Ernestas Jankauskas, Sasha Was Here is an engaging drama about trust, self-forgiveness, and affection that tackles issues of adoption head-on.

English sub-titles.

Thursday, Feb. 20, 8:45pm

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Dir. Ása Helga Hjörleifsdóttir, 2017 | 91 minutes

After she is caught shoplifting, nine-year-old Sól is sent to spend the summer with family in the countryside as punishment. Working on a farm surrounded only by nature and a handful of strange adults, Sól’s penchant for storytelling makes her feel close to Jón, a farmhand who also develops an interest in the young girl. When the farmer’s daughter, Ásta, returns home from university, Sól’s innocent fantasies become tainted by the complex realities of adulthood. Featuring a strong lead performance and stunning cinematography from Martin Neumeyer, The Swan is a lyrical but grim coming-of-age tale and admirable feature debut from Hjörleifsdóttir.

English sub-titles.

Thursday, Feb. 20, 6:30pm

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Dir. Christoffer Boe, 2018 | 119 minutes

When three mummified bodies are found in a sealed Copenhagen room, Department Q cold-case detectives Carl Mørck and Assad are assigned to investigate. When their leads point them to Sprogø Island and the women’s hospital that once operated there, they uncover a history of unnerving systematic abuse and experimental medicine. As they get closer to the truth, the pair must race against time to stop further violence from happening. With thrilling source material stylishly brought to life by director Christoffer Boe, The Purity of Vengeance is a gripping crime thriller that currently holds the title of highest-grossing Danish film ever.

English sub-titles.

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7:00pm

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Dir. Liina Triškina-Vanhatalo, 2018 | 102 minutes

When Erik’s ex-girlfriend informs him that she has just given birth to his child, the 30-year-old construction worker is faced with a difficult decision: agree to put the baby up for adoption or raise her as a single parent. Deciding to take on parenthood, Erik’s life changes drastically as he struggles with the practical and societal challenges of being a single father. Enriched with director Liina Triškina-Vanhatalo’s background as a documentarian, Take It or Leave It tells a touching story of adversity, masculinity, and love with an unflinching realist approach.

English sub-titles.