"GRACE OF GOD" IN THE CPH:DOX COMPETITION

The titles of the films qualified for the NORDIC:DOX competition have been announced. Among 12 competing Nordic films, there is also the Polish-Icelandic production "Grace of God," directed by Kristján Loðmfjörð.

The NORDIC:DOX competition is one of the sections at CPH:DOX, International Documentary Film Festival in Copenhagen. This year's edition is held from 5 to 15 November. This year, the Polish-Icelandic film "Grace of God" by Kristján Loðmfjörð will compete for the award in the Nordic documentary competition. The screening in Denmark will be at the same time the film's international première.

The documentary film "Grace of God" uses oral tradition to discuss issues connected to varied and complex relations between humans and animals. Thirteen people tell about and share their experiences of meeting a specific animal. The stories show close friendship or contacts which were unusual in some way. These include stories of animals which were smarter than words can say and even those which used their skills and cunning to save the narrator's life. Stories of domesticated animals, man's best friends and animals which play both these roles. We will also hear stories about animals which come to people from the other world and about traditions and signs which accompany these events.

The film was shot in the villages of Iceland, where the closeness of animals is a crucial part of everyday life and work, but their fate is always already determined. As a matter of fact, it is a presentation of the image of Christian society and reflections on ethical aspects of the relation between master and servant.

The full list of films qualified for the competition is on the festival's website.