Nordic Film Cultures and Cinemas of Elsewhere

Nordic Film Cultures and Cinemas of Elsewhere explores Nordic cinemas as international, cosmopolitan, diasporic, and geographically dispersed, offering a new model of inquiry into a multi-varied Scandinavian cultural lineage and small nation and pan-regional world cinemas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Nordic Film Cultures and Cinemas of Elsewhere presents a groundbreaking concept to Nordic film studies, as well as to other small national, transnational, and global cinema traditions. By delving into overlooked elsewhere, the book offers a fresh perspective on Nordic cinemas, portraying them as international, cosmopolitan, diasporic, and geographically dispersed, spanning from their early silent period to their dynamic present in the 21st century. Through the exploration of both canonical works by renowned directors such as Ingmar Bergman and Lars von Trier, as well as a wide range of unknown or overlooked narratives of movement, synthesis, and resistance, the book presents a novel model of inquiry into a diverse and multifaceted Scandinavian cultural lineage, as well as into small nation and pan-regional world cinemas.

The book's exploration of overlooked elsewhere sheds light on the transnational and diasporic nature of Nordic cinema, highlighting its connections to other regions and cultures. It challenges the notion of Nordic cinema as solely representative of a specific region or nation, instead presenting it as a part of a broader global cinematic landscape. By examining the works of directors who have been either underappreciated or overlooked in traditional Nordic film studies, the book offers a fresh perspective on the rich and diverse cinematic heritage of the region.

One of the key strengths of Nordic Film Cultures and Cinemas of Elsewhere is its comprehensive coverage of a wide range of films and filmmakers. The book includes canonical works by renowned directors such as Ingmar Bergman, Lars von Trier, and Aki Kaurismäki, as well as lesser-known narratives that offer unique insights into the cultural and political complexities of the Nordic region. These films are analyzed and discussed in depth, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of the historical, social, and cultural contexts in which they were produced.

In addition to its analysis of canonical works, the book also explores a wide range of unknown or overlooked narratives of movement, synthesis, and resistance. These narratives challenge traditional notions of Nordic cinema as solely focused on the exploration of individualism and introspection, instead highlighting the role of collective action and social change in shaping the region's cinematic heritage. By examining these narratives, the book offers a valuable contribution to the study of cinema as a tool for promoting social and political activism.

Nordic Film Cultures and Cinemas of Elsewhere is an essential resource for scholars and students of Nordic film studies, as well as for anyone interested in exploring the broader field of global cinema. The book's innovative approach to inquiry, comprehensive coverage of films and filmmakers, and thoughtful analysis of overlooked narratives make it a valuable addition to the literature on cinema and cultural studies. By delving into overlooked elsewhere, the book offers a fresh perspective on Nordic cinema and its place in the global cinematic landscape, and encourages us to reevaluate our understanding of cinema as a medium for promoting cultural understanding and social change.

Weight: 632g
Dimension: 154 x 233 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474438063