The Nordic & Baltic Oscar Contenders series at Scandinavia House returns this season with select in-house and virtual screenings of films chosen by the Nordic & Baltic countries to compete for the Oscar nomination for the Best International Feature Film. On December 9 at Scandinavia House, see the Swedish film Clara Sola (dir. Nathalie Álvarez Mesén, Sweden/Costa Rica/Belgium/Germany, 2021), Costa Rica’s official nomination for the 94th Annual Academy Awards. Following the screening, director Nathalie Álvarez Mesén will present a film Q&A.

In a remote village in Costa Rica, 40-year-old Clara endures a repressively religious and withdrawn life under the command of her mother, where her uncanny affinity for creatures large and small allows Clara to find solace in the natural world. As Clara’s younger niece approaches her quinceañera, tension builds within the family, igniting Clara’s sexual and mystical awakening and a journey to free herself from the conventions that have dominated her life.

“A strange and mesmerizing tale” —Variety

“Tinged with magical realism and deeply immersed in the sensory world… a vivid reminder that even a matriarchy can be paternalistic” —THR

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.