The Göteborg Film Festival is set to kick off from Jan. 23 to Feb. 1, with a lineup of heavyweight names bringing star power to the leading Nordic film festival and industry event. One of the standout names to receive recognition at the festival is versatile Swedish actor and producer Noomi Rapace, who will be honored with the coveted Nordic Honorary Dragon Award on Jan. 28. Rapace’s talent in captivating audiences worldwide with her fearless expressive power will be highlighted during the festival.
With a career spanning nearly two decades and 50 films and series, Rapace will be the focus of a retrospective showcasing three of her most significant features: “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (2009), “Beyond” (2010), and “Lamb” (2021). She will also attend the Nordic premiere of the Venice Horizons title “Mother” alongside director Teona Strugar Mitevska.
In addition to honoring Rapace, the festival has unveiled a selection of films for its 49th edition, all centered around the theme of “Truth.” Films like “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” “No Comment,” “The Disappearance of Josef Mengele,” and “Re-Creation” will explore the boundaries between fact and fiction in today’s society.
The lineup of 13 competition strands will be announced in the coming weeks, with U.S. industry heavyweight James Schamus set to head the jury of the festival’s Ingmar Bergman International Debut Award and lead industry talks. Known for his collaborations with director Ang Lee, Schamus will share insights on his extensive career as a producer, writer, and educator.
The industry days at the festival will feature a new look, with the TV Drama Vision and Nordic Film Market events overlapping for the first time. The focus will be on encouraging innovation and transformation in traditional filmmaking, with a particular emphasis on co-production strategies and sustainable production practices.
TV Drama Vision will highlight the narratives, formats, and business models shaping the industry today, with panels featuring over 100 speakers and around 50 series in development. Guest speakers like Katharina Eyssen, creator of Netflix’s “The Empress,” will share insights on the evolving landscape of TV production.
Overall, the Göteborg Film Festival promises to be a dynamic event showcasing the best of Nordic cinema and offering valuable insights into the future of the industry. Stay tuned for more updates on TV Drama Vision projects in the coming weeks.

