Program 2025

Films A-Z

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Competition

A selection of internationally acclaimed and artistically challenging films are competing for the Aurora Prize. The films in competition are also eligible for the FIPRESCI International Critics’ Award and the FICC Don Quixote Prize. All films have their Norwegian premiere at the 35th Tromsø International Film Festival.

Horizons

The Horizons sidebar features a selection of top-quality films from all over the world, covering a wide range of genres and styles. The only criterion here is quality. This program is based on the festival’s vision: to challenge and contribute to human beings' personal growth through the films we present to our audience.

East Side Stories

Tromsø International Film Festival has since its beginning promoted cultural exchange with our Eastern neighbors. Starting with a selection of some of the last Soviet-produced films at the first festival edition in 1991, we have since continued to present titles from a region that is otherwise often neglected. Since 2002, this program has been a regular sidebar for feature films and documentaries from former Soviet republics, including Russia. In these times we find it more important than ever to give room to critical voices and stories from the region.

Focus: Iran

Iran has long been one of the most important countries in the Middle East. By 2025, the country appears to be on the brink, possibly on the verge of a major war, with internal tensions that have simmered and occasionally flared up in recent years. Despite the oppressive regime in the Islamic Republic, the country boasts a rich film culture – often sanctioned by the authorities. The films in this program all take inspiration from contemporary Iranian society, with several explicitly addressing the status of women.

The New Musical

The musical genre is often viewed as entertainment-focused, prioritizing style over substance. However, a new wave of musicals has turned this perception on its head with a series of powerful and exciting films that combine the musical format—song and dance—with complex themes ranging from hidden passions to assisted dying and the climate crisis. These works are created by filmmakers outside the mainstream, resulting in a surprisingly fresh mix that blends the best of both worlds. Read more.

Films from the North - Features

Films from the North – Features presents a prime selection of new documentaries and fiction films from the High North, including a broad representation of northern Indigenous filmmakers. Eligible areas are Sápmi, northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia and Canada, as well as Alaska, Iceland and Greenland.

Films from the North - Shorts

Films from the North showcases the best of the High North, including a broad representation of northern Indigenous films. FFN presents a prime selection of short docs and fiction films made in northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia and Canada, as well as Sápmi, Alaska, Iceland and Greenland. The Tromsø Palm Award is presented to the best short or documentary (under 60 minutes) in competition.

Critic's Week

TIFF and the Norwegian Film Critics' Association are pleased to present five films chosen by film critics. The selection is based on the individual film critic's personal preference. The sidebar also includes four Norwegian feature films from last year, selected by TIFF and the film website Montages, and presented by critics and film scholars at the screenings.

Special Screenings

To point out the obvious, a special screening is not like other screenings. This section offers a range of unique film experiences, like concerts, sing-alongs, and screenings for everybody at our outdoor Winter Cinema. Most of these screenings are also singular because they take place only once during the festival, so this might be the place to start planning your schedule.

Winter Cinema

Tromsø International Film Festival takes pride in offering outdoor screenings. Erling Bangsunds plass is the coziest open-air venue in town. The screenings take place every morning and afternoon for the whole festival week.

Off Screen

Tromsø International Film Festival offers more than high-quality films. During the week, we host a range of Off Screen-events that aim to stimulate and inspire. Here you will have the chance to meet filmmakers and attend debates about trends in film and cinema.

TIFF Digital

This year you can watch seven of our films at home on demand. The online screenings will have a limited number of tickets available per film, and all screenings will have a fixed start time. After the scheduled start, the film can be seen within 48 hours. Available in Norway only. About TIFF Digital.

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