January 18-24
2027
Program 2026
Opening/Closing Film
Competition
A selection of internationally acclaimed and artistically ambitious films compete for the Aurora Prize. All titles have their Norwegian premiere at the 36th Tromsø International Film Festival.
Horizons
The Horizons sidebar showcases a selection of outstanding films from all over the world, covering a wide range of genres and styles. The only criterion here is quality. The program reflects the festival’s vision: TIFF aims to challenge and inspire audiences through the films we present.
East Side Stories
Since its inception, the Tromsø International Film Festival has promoted cultural exchange with our Eastern neighbors. Beginning with a selection of the last Soviet-produced films at the festival’s first edition in 1991, TIFF has continued to highlight works from a region too often overlooked. Established as a regular sidebar in 2002, East Side Stories presents feature films and documentaries from the former Soviet republics, including Russia. In these times, we find it more important than ever to give space to critical voices and stories from the region.
Focus: Fascism
Through a selection of films, this program sheds light on the current debate surrounding authoritarian tendencies in today's democracies. Without passing a final judgment on our contemporary era, we aim to show how fascism has actually played out historically, and to examine alarming traits in our own time. 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 wide representation of northern Indigenous cinema. FFN presents a curated selection of short documentaries and fiction films from northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Canada, Sápmi, Alaska, Iceland, and Greenland. The Tromsø Palm Award is presented to the best short or documentary film (under 60 minutes) in competition.
Critics' Week
In collaboration with the Norwegian Film Critics’ Association, TIFF presents five films selected by Norwegian critics – each chosen based on personal preference. The Critics’ Week sidebar also features four Norwegian feature films from the past year, selected by TIFF and the film website Montages, and introduced by critics and film scholars at the screenings.
Overdrive
As the name suggests, these films are set in overdrive: they’re wilder, darker, funnier – and sometimes just a little more twisted than your average festival title. So buckle up and hold on tight.
TIFF UNG
Welcome to TIFF UNG, a dedicated film program for youth aged 15-19!
A group of young people has spent the fall selecting four films for this year's TIFF UNG program. Together with Tvibit, TIFF is showcasing these films.
Special Screenings
As the name suggests, special screenings are unlike any other. This section offers a variety of unique film experiences, including live film concerts, sing-alongs, and outdoor Winter Cinema screenings for all audiences. Most of these events are one-off presentations, making this the perfect place to start planning your festival schedule.
Winter Cinema
Tromsø International Film Festival is proud to present outdoor screenings. Stortorget offers the coziest open-air venue in town. Screenings take place every morning and afternoon throughout the festival week.
Off Screen
The Tromsø International Film Festival offers more than outstanding films. Throughout the week, we host a range of Off Screen events designed to engage, inspire, and spark conversation. Here, audiences can meet filmmakers and take part in discussions about current trends in society, film and cinema.
Film Fest
Work hard, play hard during the festival. Social and festive events, from parties to exhibitions and concerts.
TIFF Digital
This year you can watch six 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. Read more.
