“An engrossing chronicle” (Cineuropa) — this December, see the riveting true-life story of two Swedish journalists, 438 Days/ 438 Dagar (Sweden, 2019; dir. Jesper Ganslandt) in New Nordic Cinema at Scandinavia House!

On the eve of June 28, 2011, Swedish journalists Martin Schibbye (Gustaf Skarsgård) and Johan Persson (Matias Varela) put everything at stake by illegally crossing the border from Somalia into Ethiopia, intent on reporting how the ruthless hunt for oil had affected the population of the isolated and conflict-ridden Ogaden region. Five days later they lay wounded in the desert sand, shot and captured by the Ethiopian army — but when their initial reportage died, another story began.

Adapted from the 2015 novel about the journalists’ experience of the nightmarish ordeal that followed — over the course of a Kafka-esque trial exposing the ruthless control of mining and oil operations based in Western Africa — 438 Days highlights the importance of freedom of speech, and of protecting the independent press reporting on abuses of power throughout the world. (124 min. In English and Swedish with English subtitles)

Film screenings will take place as a 3 PM matinee and 7 PM evening showing. Tickets to this event must be purchased in advance online at the link; film screenings will take place in Victor Borge Hall. All attendees are required to present proof of vaccination upon arrival in compliance with New York State government.