Britt-Marie Was Here /Britt-Marie Var Har New Nordic Cinema: Female-Focused

Based on the bestselling novel by author Fredrik Backman (A Man Called Ove), this comedic drama follows the journey of 63-year-old Britt-Marie as she works to find a new purpose in life after discovering her husband’s infidelity.

For most of her life, Britt-Marie has been fastidious about order, compulsively making sure that her life and home are routine and organized. But when she discovers that her husband of 40 years has been having an affair, chaos kicks her down the curb to the small backwater town of Borg, where she accepts an unglamorous job as youth leader at a struggling recreation center. Taking on the impossible-seeming task of coaching the children’s soccer team — despite having no experience nor resources — Britt-Marie finds herself invigorated by the team’s infectious energy. And as they and her fellow Borgians inspire her to step out of her comfort zone, Britt-Marie discovers that losing a bit of control is sometimes a good thing.

Anchored by an affecting performance from Swedish stalwart Pernilla August (Fanny and Alexander), this sophomore feature from actor-turned-director Tuva Novotny (Blind Spot) is both a tender and droll reminder that it’s never too late for second chances.

“An earnest portrait… [Pernilla] August’s restraint with gestures of affection make each smile and each laugh feel like they’ve been hard-earned.”—The New York Times

Tuva Novotny was born on December 21, 1979 in Stockholm, Sweden as Tuva Moa Matilda Karolina Novotny.

She is an actress and director, known for Eat Pray Love (2010), Annihilation (2018) and Blind Spot (2018).

Kicking off in coordination with International Women’s Day in March, ASF highlights strong new Nordic cinema from female perspectives directed by women in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

Britt-Marie Was Here /Britt-Marie var här—FRI—MAR 6
Aurora—FRI—MAR 13
That Time of the Year /Den tid på året—FRI—MAR 20
Gods of Molenbeek /Aatos ja amine—FRI—MARCH 27
Transnistra—FRI—APR 3
Agnes Joy—FRI—APR 17
Phoenix /Føniks—FRI—APR 24
Maria’s Paradise /Marian paratiisi—FRI—MAY 1
The Deposit /Tryggð—FRI—MAY 8
The Reformist — A Female Imam /Reformisten—FRI—MAY 15