Sons of Norway

Running time: 88 mins

The Christmas of Bananas changed everything for Nikolaj.

Christmas, 1978: Nikolaj's father christens a dinner of banana-infused dishes by quoting Nietzsche's thoughts on religion. Nicolaj might remember this most about this particular holiday, if it weren't the very same Christmas his mother is hit by a truck and dies. Innocence lost, Nicolaj sets out to create his identity—which leads to one of rebellion as he takes an interest in guitar and the punk rock of The Sex Pistols. But what will this mean for the broken family, and how will they once again find each other?

Director Jens Lien's previous films Jonny Vang and The Bothersome Man claimed jury prizes at Cinequest when they screened, and his short film Natural Glasses wowed audiences. Lien returns in fine form with this extraordinary and highly observant coming-of-age story.

- Mike Rabehl