The Winter Cinema Returns to Storgata—With a New Twist!

A Venue for Everyone

For many years, TIFF has created a free outdoor cinema in Tromsø, and this year is no exception. The Winter Cinema is a vital part of the festival, serving as both a gathering point and a unique way for the audience to experience the magic of film.

- The Winter Cinema is the heart of TIFF, and we’re so thrilled that it’s returning to what is also the heart of the city. We believe this allows us to include even more people who will discover the outdoor cinema as a venue during the festival, says Festival Director Lisa Hoen.

The Winter Cinema is accessible to the entire city population. It’s free, featuring films for both the youngest and oldest members of the community. Whether you’re someone who happens to pass by and stops for a moment or someone who plans your evening and bundles up warmly, the Winter Cinema is for you.

- Our goal is that when families gather around the dinner table at home, everyone will have had an experience at TIFF they can talk about. The Winter Cinema plays a crucial role in this by inviting the city’s kindergartens and primary schools to free screenings. Over the years, this has become many Tromsø children’s very first encounter with the big screen, Hoen explains.

A Film Program that Takes Us into Nature

This year’s Winter Cinema program promises to transport audiences away from city life and into stunning natural landscapes. Among the films featured is Once Upon a Time in a Forest by Virpi Suutari, a cinematic tribute to a group of young radicals fighting to protect Finland’s forests from political systems and the logging industry.

- Natur og Ungdom (Nature and Youth) will provide an introduction before the screening, which couldn’t be more fitting. Once Upon a Time in a Forest is a powerful film about environmental activism, and it’s inspiring to see young people taking on the mission of fighting for nature, says Program Editor Kjetil Almås.

From Stephanie Jones comes Maya and the Wave, the inspiring story of Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira, who battles monstrous waves even after a near-death experience. Both films tell stories of strong women defying expectations and overcoming adversity.

- I’ve been pursuing Maya and the Wave for years and can’t wait to show it to the Winter Cinema audience. It’s a fantastic film with epic surf scenes and a fascinating story, Hoen shares.

Another surfing film included in the program is The Endless Summer by Bruce Brown.

- This film has been frequently requested by our audience, and we’re delighted to feature it in this year’s Winter Cinema program, says Hoen.

The film follows a group of people traveling the globe in search of the perfect wave.

- Watching the film evokes a sense of freedom, and it has become a classic for a reason. It boasts stunning visuals and a humorous narration that makes it highly engaging, Almås adds.

Revealing the Film for This Year’s Family Day

The most attended single film screening of the entire festival is often the one shown outdoors on the festivals Family Day. In previous years, over 1,000 children and adults have gathered for a magical outdoor film experience.

- TIFF Junior’s Family Day is a wonderfully inclusive event where the entire city is invited to free screenings, activities, and an incredible festival atmosphere. For me, and hundreds of others, it’s an annual highlight, says TIFF Junior Director Astrid Aure.

The film to look forward to on Family Day is Toy Story by John Lasseter, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025.

- This will be a joyful reunion for many, while younger audiences might experience this delightful and playful film on the big screen for the first time, Aure concludes.

The Winter Cinema will have daily screenings during TIFF.

Read about the films that have been announced here.