We got a chance to chat with Git Scheynius, founder and director of the Stockholm International Film Festival about some of her must-see films of the festival.

Mediterranea

The current and growing refugee crisis is the reason behind our decision to focus on the issue of migration this year. The selection of films tells the stories of people fleeing or leaving their homes for different reasons. Our opening film Mediterranea by Jonas Carpignano is extremely interesting, providing a touching portrayal of African migrants in Italy. We are very glad to once again present the work of this young director, whose feature film debut is building upon his previous short films *A Chjàna* (2012) and *Young Lions of Gypsy* (2014). Jonas visited our festival last year, competing in Stockholm XXV Short Film Competition with his short film Young Lions of Gypsy (2014), so we have a special bond with this director and look forward to seeing his development.

Lampedusa in Winter

It is definitely uplifting to see the efforts of these everyday heroes in the documentary ’Lampedusa in Winter presented in our Spotlight Migration section. The movie tells a moving story of the locals on the Italian island Lampedusa, helping the refugees that arrive their hometown.

The Wolfpack

The Wolfpack by Crystal Moselle, a documentary about six brothers growing up locked up in an apartment in the middle of Manhattan, is both fascinating and thrilling. I especially admire how the brothers choose film as their own window to the world and escape the reality by reenacting their favourite movies such as Batman, Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs, using elaborate homemade props and costumes. The Wolfpack won the best documentary prize at Sundance Festival.

The Here After

The Here After from the talented Swedish director Magnus von Horn is a very powerful story of a young boy, who returns home after serving time in prison. Seeing young musician Ulrik Munther in the challenging role of John is a refreshing surprise.

Taxi Tehran

It is very important for our festival to engage in the current discussion and present movies that lift the issues of democracy and human rights. That is why we are very proud to screen Taxi Tehran by the Iranian film maker Jafar Panahi, who has been banned by the authorities. As a steadfast defender of freedom of speech, he continues making movies, giving us a view of the life in Iran’s capital Tehran by becoming a taxi driver and filming everything. The movie is a discussion of Iranian social mores and the art of cinematic storytelling.