What a spectacular start to the 36th edition of the Stockholm International Film Festival! The festival officially opened on the night of November 4th with an unforgettable gala that lit up Bio Skandia — setting the tone for twelve days of world-class cinema, culture, and creativity across the city.
The evening began with a red-carpet arrival of VIP guests, filmmakers, and actors, all gathered to celebrate the premiere of Tarik Saleh’s Eagles of the Republic, the much-anticipated opening film of this year’s festival. The atmosphere was electric — a packed theatre buzzing with excitement as the lights dimmed and one of Sweden’s most acclaimed directors unveiled his latest cinematic work.
Check out our video with the glamour from the red carpet and the inaugural ceremony.
Welcoming Words
The gala opened with inspiring speeches from Git Scheynius, CEO of the Stockholm Film Festival, and Parisa Liljestrand, Sweden’s Minister for Culture. Together, they officially inaugurated this year’s festival with the traditional film strip cutting ceremony — the ritual symbolising the start of Stockholm’s grand celebration of cinema. The ribbon of film was held by actress Celie Sparre and actor Erik Svedberg Zelman, adding a touch of silver-screen glamour to the moment.
Git Scheynius spoke passionately about the festival’s mission to showcase bold storytelling and global diversity through film, while Minister Liljestrand highlighted the cultural importance of cinema as a bridge between nations and generations — something that resonates deeply in today’s world.
Twelve Days of Film, Art and Inspiration
Over the coming twelve days, Stockholm transforms into a vibrant cinematic hub, featuring 135 films from 60 countries, 24 red carpet screenings at Bio Skandia, and a rich programme of Face2Face conversations with filmmakers, actors, and visionaries. Each day promises unforgettable experiences — from boundary-pushing debuts to intimate arthouse gems — proving once again why the Stockholm International Film Festival remains one of Europe’s most dynamic and forward-thinking film events.
And of course, no festival would be complete without its social sparkle — the legendary afterparties, networking events, and late-night gatherings where film enthusiasts, creators, and dreamers come together to celebrate the art of storytelling.
Rocking the After-Film Party
Following the opening premiere, guests were treated to an after-film party that perfectly matched the festival’s spirit — raw, energetic, and full of life. The night’s soundtrack came courtesy of Sylvie’s Head, the explosive new rock act from Gothenburg’s underground scene. Formed in 2024, the band has already become known for their chaotic, sweat-soaked live shows — “controlled collapse” as they describe it — blending stolen breakbeats, subterranean basslines, and distorted guitars into a sound made for those who believe the night should always last a little longer. Their performance was the perfect exclamation mark to an already thrilling evening.
As the festival unfolds across Stockholm, audiences can look forward to a rich programme of films, talks, and cultural events that highlight both established masters and emerging voices from around the globe. From red carpets to late-night screenings, the Stockholm International Film Festival continues to celebrate the beauty, power, and diversity of cinema — and this year’s opening night proved that the magic of film is very much alive and thriving in Sweden’s capital.
