Vivi Nielsen

The relationship between Greenland and Denmark is full of fantasy and myths. And these are exactly what Danish artist Lasse Lau reflects upon – and in turn documents – in his first feature-length film. But how do you give a form to the Greenlandic experience when you are an outsider yourself? Lau has created a sensitive film about authenticity and recreation by letting both elements become a part of the work, together with his performers. But also by watching and listening intently. The colonial history is entrenched in both Greenland's infinitely beautiful landscapes and in the collective consciousness. But so is the willingness to break with it and look ahead with a new political self-awareness. 'Lykkelænder' is the result of a long-term research project, but talks about its extremely complex topics in a way that grounds the postcolonial perspective in a recognisable life experience. It does so with both a sense of humour and with emphasis.

When the humiliation and grief of his eldest son's shooting rampage and subsequent suicide threatens to pull him under, Rasmus leaves his family and tight-knit community and heads into Greenland's bleak landscape. As he journeys forth aimlessly on an old dogsled, he eventually finds solace in the form of a mystical hermit.

Miki is of Greenlandic descent, but grew up in Sweden. He travels to Nuuk for the first time to relax and meet his distant relatives. But suddenly he is whirled into the petty crime of cousin Kunuk and his gang. Within an instant, Miki is in charge of two tons of stolen fireworks, some buddies who do not quite understand him, a sweet girl, and the city's mafia boss are hot on his heels.

Foreign Minister Birgitte Nyborg finds her career in jeopardy when a dispute over oil in Greenland threatens to become an international crisis.