Home for Christmas

Bent Hamer’s sixth feature film HOME FOR CHRISTMAS is based on several stories from the Norwegian writer Levi Henriksen’s collection of short stories “Only Soft Presents Under the Tree.” The plot unfolds during a few afternoon hours on Christmas Eve. The individual stories, which at times intertwine, are set in the small town of Skogli. The characters in the stories cover a great range in age and life situations, representing both reconciliation with their own lives and strong frustration. Some show the will to understand and do something about their lives, while others have given up. Deeply tragic and melancholy aspects are mixed with humour and rather frivolous solutions.

“Hamer presents us with portraits of needs and desires that are flush with detail, insight and hope. It’s a touching, beautiful and welcome addition to the ouevre of Norway’s best-known and most internationally celebrated filmmaker.”

Steve Gravestock, Toronto FF