Breaking Social (released in 2023) is a documentary by award-winning Fredrik Gertten. It explores global patterns of kleptocracy and extractivism, weaving threads between global uprisings, shared anger and courageous action. It’s about daring to speak up and listen to frontline voices already fighting against global patterns of injustice and corruption.
Fredrik Gertten is an award-winning Swedish director. He’s famous for local stories with a global impact, with films like PUSH (2019), JOZI GOLD (2019), Bikes vs Cars (2015), Big Boys Gone Bananas!* (2011) and Bananas!* (2009). He’s also the founder of the production company WG Film – one of Sweden’s most prominent documentary production companies. Here he combines filmmaking with a role as creative producer.
Saturday October 26th | 1pm | $10; $5 for SCC&L Members | tickets
Join Alyssa in the Nordic Hall as she performs traditional and modern Scandinavian music on her beautiful handmade nyckelharpa made in Sweden, which is Sweden’s national instrument. This beautiful and haunting music will have your toes tapping and heart singing!
Saturday, Oct. 19th 2024 | 1pm | $20; $10 for SCC&L members | tickets
ABOUT Alyssa: Alyssa Rodriguez is one of the few and finest players of the nyckelharpa, Sweden’s national “keyed fiddle” instrument. In 2021, she was awarded a prestigious Fulbright grant to study in Helsinki, Finland. During her 2021-2022 grant year, she studied nyckelharpa at The Sibelius Academy where she researched Nordic folk music and folk music improvisation. Alyssa has studied with several riksspellmän (master Swedish folk musicians) and studied in Sweden at the all nyckelharpa summer festival at Ekebyholm Castle founded by Eric Sahlström. She has headlined festivals at the American Swedish Institute and at the Jamestown Scandinavian Festival, and given lecture recitals at St. Olaf College and University of Madison, Wisconsin. Her music has been featured on WXXI and WRUR in Rochester, New York, KXCI-FM in Arizona, and she has appeared in Nordstjernan magazine and Nyckelharpan in Sweden.
Solitude (2023, Iceland) presented as the Library’s October film.
A farmer that lives a quiet life in the countryside is forced by the state to sell his home. He leaves everything behind, relocates to the capital, and soon meets a 10-year-old paper delivery boy. Their friendship proves to be transformative for them both.
Saturday, October 12th | 1pm | $10; $5 for members | tickets
What’s a cookbook club? It’s the idea is that — like a traditional book club — every month you get together as a group. Instead of talking about a book you will make a recipe from a chosen cookbook, bring it in and the group will sample the recipes and discuss the the recipes and the cookbook. If you love to cook or bake, (especially Scandi recipes) and love sharing food with friends this is the perfect place for you!
Each month we will choose a different cookbook from a Scandinavian country and pick out 15-20 recipes for people to choose from. On October 3rd 2024 we will start with a cookbook of Norwegian recipes. The cookbook is Norwegian Baking Through the Seasons by Nevada Berg. The cookbooks we choose are available on amazon to purchase.
You’ve heard of fairy walks, right? Join us for a special Icelandic twist on the idea as we celebrate everything Huldufólk (Iceland’s hidden people)
This is an enchanting adventure inspired by the hidden world of the Huldufólk, Iceland’s elusive and magical hidden folk.
🌟 Event Highlights 🌲:
🍃 Self Guided Huldufólk Journey: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Icelandic legend discovering dwellings and learning about the folklore. Vote for your favorite creations!
🧙♂️ Interactive Stations: Encounter whimsical stations, where you can partake in Icelandic inspired activities, craft unique Huldufólk trinkets, and leave offerings for the mystical beings.
🎶 Ethereal Music: Be transported by the haunting melodies of Icelandic music, creating an ambiance that resonates with the spirit of the Huldufolk.
🎭 Folklore Costume: Not necessary, but costumes that pays homage to the Huldufólk and other mythical creatures highly encouraged.
🛍️ Shop: Visit our carefully selected vendors and bring home some magical reminders of the day. Want to be one of our magical vendors? Please fill out an application here.
📸 Photo Moments: Capture the enchantment at picturesque photo spots that highlight the natural beauty of the landscape and your journey with the Huldufólk.
All over Newton has organized it’s 3rd annual bakery crawl happening on Sept 27th and 28th.
The Kaffestugan is featured among 20 plus bakeries in Newton participating in this crawl!
There will be free samples of heart shaped Icelandic waffles with whipped cream and jam on Saturday 28th from 10am – 2pm. We have many other types of Scandinavian pastries and savory sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. Come grab a delicious Scandi treat during this fun bakery crawl!
While there, explore the enchanted fairy walk, take part in Icelandic activities and see some unique Huldufolk dwellings!
Finlandia Foundation Boston brings auctioneer and appraiser Wayne Tuiskula of Central Mass Auctions to appraise items for the public. Wayne has 35 years of experience in the antiques industry, is a certified appraiser, and has appeared as a collectibles appraiser on PBS’ Antiques Roadshow. Stay tuned for more details on how to submit your cherished items for appraisal.
$10 suggested donation (with donations going to the Finlandia Foundation Boston) to have your item appraised. Items will be appraised on a first come, first serve basis.
Presented as the Library’s September film choice: Munch (2023)
Famed artist Munch deals with an unhappy love, the loss of his older sister, addiction, and rejection by the art establishment. There is controversy around one of his early exhibitions in Berlin, and he’s admitted into a psychiatric clinic. During World War II, Munch fights to save his life’s work from the Nazis.
Saturday, September 14th | 1pm | $10; $5 for members | tickets
In Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, German with English subtitles | 104 minutes
Edvard Munch was a famous artist from Norway who painted pictures that showed strong feelings and emotions. One of his most famous paintings is called “The Scream,” where a person looks really scared and sad.
Join us in the Nordic Hall to learn a little about Munch and create your own version of The Scream by “painting” with yarn.
*This is recommended for children 8 and up because it requires dexterity and patience. Younger artists could work with the help of an adult*
Saturday, September 14th | 10am-noon (please arrive on time for start of event) | $15; FREE for members | register here
