Nikolaj Arcel / Denmark / 2023 / 127 min / World Premiere

In 1755, the impoverished captain Ludvig Kahlen sets out to conquer the harsh, uninhabitable Danish heath with a seemingly impossible goal: to build a colony in the name of the King. In exchange, he’ll receive a desperately desired Royal name for himself. But the sole ruler of the area, the merciless Frederik de Schinkel, arrogantly believes this land belongs to him. When De Schinkel learns that the maid Ann Barbara and her servant husband have escaped for refuge with Kahlen, the privileged and spiteful ruler swears revenge, doing everything in his power to drive the captain away. Kahlen will not be intimidated and engages in an unequal battle—risking not only his life, but also that of the family of outsiders that has formed around him

Mika Gustafson / Sweden / 2023 / 108 min / World Premiere

Sisters Laura, Mira and Steffi, live alone in a working class housing estate in Sweden, as their mother often disappears for lengthy periods. When Social Services demands a meeting, Laura is obliged to find someone to play their mom, to avoid the sisters being placed in foster care and separated.